Mauricio Pochettino is absolutely buzzing about the USMNT’s next wave, straight up calling a whole group of young players “confident and cocky” on the pitch, even while they stay humble off it. The head coach is rolling with an experimental 28-player roster for these first post-World Cup friendlies, and it includes 12 fresh faces to the senior national team, sporting an average age of just 19 years and six months. Another 12 players from this year’s World Cup squad are in the mix, showing Pochettino’s balanced strategy to kick off this new four-year cycle. And honestly? This mixed crew is already off to a red-hot start, smashing Peru 4-1 on Saturday.
This New Cycle’s Got Zero Nerves
Saturday’s game saw a healthy blend of veterans and first-timers, but it was those newcomers who completely stole the show. Forwards Justin Ellis and Julian Hall didn’t just play; they each scored in their senior national team debuts against Peru. Hall even added an assist to his insane record for the night. Pochettino could not stop praising these guys after the match, talking about the “massive talent” they’ve got both individually and as a group. He kept emphasizing how seamlessly they’ve settled into the senior squad. When asked if he sensed any pre-game jitters, Pochettino said Monday they were “so relaxed and calm” when the starting 11 was announced. He clearly sees something special.
A Priceless Attitude
Pochettino is loving this vibe. He shared his thoughts on the “good balance” these young players strike, having this “arrogance that we pretend that they have” on the pitch, which totally helps them perform, while still being “very humble outside.” He didn’t see any nerves from the first-timers. The coach and his staff are genuinely enjoying working with this next generation, even calling their youthful energy “contagious.” Pochettino described the atmosphere as “great” and said he and his assistant, Jesus Perez, were just talking about “enjoying players that allowed us to coach, [are] coachable players.” He called it “a joy” and “priceless,” emphasizing how amazing it is to enjoy working with all 28 players.
The experimentation continues for the USMNT tonight, Tuesday, September 29, as Pochettino is expected to name another experimental lineup for their friendly against Chile. That game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET from Energize Park in St. Louis, airing on TNT and streaming on HBO Max. With the USMNT favored at -250 against Chile’s +550, keep an eye on these “cocky” youngsters. They’re clearly ready to make more noise.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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