Mic'd Up: The former national team star says the USMNT are far from a finished product under Pochettino, even as squad starts to find form

Herculez Gomez still isn't convinced by the U.S. men's national team. There have been, on the face of things, improvements. A poor run was followed by three undefeated fixtures in a row, including wins over Japan and Australia. Take in 180 combined minutes against Ecuador and Australia, and manager Mauricio Pochettino's side could have walked away with three straight wins. 

"Not just the actual results, but in terms of all overall style, tactical play, just identity, things that had been lacking under his tenure – this was probably his most impressive window," Gomez tells GOAL. "So in terms of that, I'd say it was his best window that he's had thus far. And I think it's of no surprise that is coupled with the best player selection of his era. So I think the two go hand in hand."

For Gomez, the ESPN+ analyst and host of Futbol Americas, performances really tell the tale.

"While there are some positives, there's a stark reminder that this is not a finished product for these players," Gomez says. 

For the first time, Pochettino finds himself looking at some positives. There is a formation to toy with, and tactical ideas forming. Questions are now being asked about who the U.S. has to leave out. Weston McKennie, for example, might be the elite talent to sit on the bench.

"There could be a few casualties," Gomez said. "I look at where Weston McKennie has been playing in that formation, and his plan is a double 10, which is not a position suited to his attributes. He hasn't been a player that I would say has been a mainstay on this national team. So he could be a casualty."

Gomez talks all things USMNT in Mic'd up, a recurring feature in which GOAL taps into the perspective of analysts, announcers and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad. 

Getty ImagesON THE USMNT'S RECENT FORM

GOAL: The USMNT had a couple of good results this window. What did you make of them?

GOMEZ: I would say the best performances of the Mauricio Pochettino era. Not just the actual results, but in terms of all overall style, tactical play, just identity, things that had been lacking under his tenure – this was probably his most impressive window. So in terms of that, I'd say it was his best window that he's had thus far. And I think it's of no surprise that is coupled with the best player selection of his era. So I think the two go hand in hand. He called in some very good players.

GOAL: And they managed to get a good result when Christian Pulisic was off the pitch. Do you take heart from that as well, the fact that they're able to come from behind with their main man injured?

GOMEZ: I mean, the numbers don't lie, right? It was the first win of Pochettino's tenure when they allowed a goal, and it was not in a loss. For whatever reason, this team, when they get scored on, it becomes the end of them. They put together a good result versus a stingy team. And this is the first loss in 13 games for Australia, and that was the same thing for Ecuador. It was 11 games without a loss and only five goals conceded in World Cup qualifying. They played against some, I would say, solid World Cup opposition. And that's what it may look like. And I thought the solutions that were offered by the players who came in were bright, good individual performances. Tactically, they were disciplined. 

Still, there were a few lapses that characterize this team, I would say, with Mauricio Pochettino. You committed numbers forward, you get left with the one player that can hurt you in the opposition, which was Enner Valencia. And they came right back down your throat, get one opportunity and they're up. Australia, you get scored off of a throw in, and it's a comedy of errors. It's just players not reacting, flat footed, like a lapse in concentration. Things like this in a World Cup setting could be the difference between you going home. While there are some positives, there's a stark reminder that this is not a finished product for these players.

AdvertisementAFPON POCHETTINO'S TACTICS

GOAL: You talk about systems. There's a back three that everyone seems to be a big fan of. Would you share that sentiment? Would you still call for some tactical flexibility?

GOMEZ: I think it depends on who's available. You don't say, as a coach, "This is what I'm going to play" when they go with the players on a national team. Because that's not a reality. It's not Spurs or Chelsea or PSG, where you can go and buy the players who you need to play the system you want. You really have to be at the will of the players at your disposal and get them there. So, will this be the formation? I don't know. I think, thus far, it's been the best they've looked with Pochettino.

But there could be a few casualties. I look at where Weston McKennie has been playing in that formation, and his plan is a double 10, which is not a position suited to his attributes. He hasn't been a player that I would say has been a mainstay on this national team. So he could be a casualty. I don't see him as a double pivot needed in that formation with three centerbacks to protect our back lines; he's not as tactically disciplined. Another one would be Timothy Weah. He's been one of the best players on the U.S. national team since he came about. He scored a World Cup goal, and it's a constant threat. You saw it against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He's a player with his speed and his directness could be very useful to you.

Well, he may end up being labeled as a wing back. I don't think he's going to play over Sergino Dest, or a healthy Anthony Robinson on the left, so he could be our man out because the formation doesn't play with wingers. The width is offered by wing back. So I think it's still too early. I think there needs to be tactical leverage. I think it's still very early to lock in and say "This is the formation we're going to use." But that said, you can't ignore that that's where these players feel more comfortable. 

GOAL: And I suppose the counter agrument is that you need to sacrifice players for the system. I think of Cristian Roldan, for one, who might be an excellent footballer, but McKennie, objectively, is just better.

GOMEZ: It makes sense. And then what you're getting at – there has to be a balance with everything. Ultimately, only Pochettino can make that call. But you need to have, within the tournament setting, the ability to kind of pivot on the fly. And I think that goes into trying to play. You bring in players who are multi-functional because you have limited roster spots. And if a player goes down, you need a player to fill another position seamlessly. And Cristian Roldan is a good example of how things could change for you very quickly. He was playing as more of that double pivot, and he had to assist.

Weston McKennie is playing as a double 10, and wasn't too involved in the final-third. He was maybe more involved in the play leading up to the play in the final-third. That's something that Pochettino is going to have to gauge. McKennie is a hell of a player, and his best attributes are arriving late into the box from a midfield position. But I think he lacks tactical discipline, and sometimes, with the player he is, you need to give him that freedom to connect and track down. And if you staple him into a setting or an area you can limit, honestly, the way he can impact the game. So it's one of these things where Pochettino is going to have to go with who he feels is the hotter hand on both sides of the ball.

Getty ImagesON POCHETTINO'S FIRST YEAR WITH USMNT

GOAL: Has Pochettino totally impressed you yet? Do you have full confidence in him? Because I know there's been some back and forth.

GOMEZ: No. I think it's still very early to take a victory lap if you're Mauricio Pochettino. The fact is, he's got one of the worst records in recent U.S. history (11-7-2 in 20 matches in charge) and we're behind the eight ball in terms of time. I don't think he knows his XI yet. So I can't sit here and say he's impressed me. He was brought here to take this team, this program, to the next level, $6 million a year, one of the best-paid international managers in the game. And for $6M, we're still waiting to see what that next level is. You had the results versus an Ecuador team and an Australia team, who, let's be honest, played some alternates in that game. But you did well, and you can only play who's in front of you. But it's still very, very premature to take a victory lap.

GOALPREVIOUS EDITIONS OF MIC'D UP

Oct. 2: Clive Tyldesley: CBS analyst on Americans in the Champions League, 'big year' for USMNT at the World Cup and protecting young footballers

Sept. 30 – David Villa: Spain legend and DAZN analyst on Barcelona's Champions League hopes, 'amazing' Lamine Yamal and 'great opportunity' for U.S. to host World Cup

Sept. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX analyst on Gio Reyna's revival, Christian Pulisic’s AC Milan future and how Mauricio Pochettino can form 'U.S. team that makes us excited'

Sept. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst grades Mauricio Pochettino's first year as USMNT boss, wonders where Weston McKennie has been?

Sept. 9 – Sacha Kljestan: Apple TV analyst urges USMNT's Mauricio Pochettino to stick with core group, weighs in on MLS and Inter Miami's Luis Suarez

Aug. 28 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV analyst on Arsenal's need for a trophy, why 'writing off Liverpool is absolutely silly' and how Club World Cup can spark MLS growth

Aug. 21 – Marcelo Balboa: Apple TV analyst calls out fellow former USMNT players for vitriol toward Christian Pulisic, hails impact of Son Heung-Min in MLS

Aug. 15 – Nedum Onuoha: ESPN analyst on why Antonee Robinson is 'as good as any' defender in Premier League, concerns over Alexander Isak, expected Man City rebound

Aug. 6 – Kasey Keller: ESPN analyst calls out Mauricio Pochettino's underwhelming record with USMNT, hails Matt Turner's 'brilliant' return to MLS

July 31 – Andres and Nico Cantor: Father-son analysts on Mauricio Pochettino's chief challenge with USMNT, and Inter Miami's Leo Messi 'completing football

July 29 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV's Dax McCarty on why MLS was right to suspend Lionel Messi, the new Leagues Cup format, and why Club America is favorite

July 25 – Derek Rae: ESPN commentator on Gio Reyna's flawed fit at Dortmund, why 'nobody knows' how good 22-year-old USMNT midfielder can be

July 7 – Callum Williams: Apple TV, world soccer commentator on the impact of Brazilian teams at the Club World Cup

June 27 – Kyle Martino: TNT analyst on USMNT goalscoring void, the state of the program and the return of Showdown to NYC

June 23 – Dax McCarty: Apple TV analyst on the opportunity, pressure facing Mauricio Pochettino and USMNT ahead of World Cup

June 19 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst on why he's bullish about Club World Cup, memories of playing in CWC, how 2026 World Cup could be 'biggest sporting event ever'

June 17 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN analyst on Christian Pulisic controversy, state of USMNT, fractures in fan base and his admiration for 'highly relatable' Diego Luna

June 11 – Diego Valeri: Apple TV+ analyst on Lionel Messi’s MLS impact, supporting rival Sounders at Club World Cup, and U.S. and Argentina ties

May 21 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV+ analyst on 'exciting' matchups in the Club World Cup, why a top European team will win, and how Inter Miami can benefit

May 13 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC analyst on Americans supporting Club World Cup, European teams vying for trophy, and whether an MLS team can make a run

May 9 – Luis Garcia: ESPN Analyst on Barcelona and 'fantastic' Lamine Yamal, why Real Madrid lack a philosophy, and Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool

May 1 – Derek Rae: ESPN analyst on Harry Kane's trophy quest, Gio Reyna's Borussia Dortmund struggles, the meaning behind 'the smell of the stable'

April 28 – Christina Unkel: CBS Sports rules analyst on VAR challenges, 'visibility' in refereeing, former players becoming officials

April 25 – Alejandro Moreno: ESPN FC pundit on Kylian Mbappe's Real Madrid disappointment, Carlo Ancelotti's final season, 'best in the world' Lamine Yamal

April 24 – Bradley Wright-Phillips: Apple TV analyst on the 'brilliance' of Lionel Messi, 'chippy' Inter Miami, and why Kevin De Bruyne's next team should be NYCFC

April 22 – Ali Krieger: ESPN analyst on Naomi Girma's Chelsea move, the 'amazing' Emma Hayes and why NWSL 'can't just dilute the league by expanding'

April 16 – Jamie Carragher: CBS analyst on Club World Cup and packed schedule, 'disappointing' Trent Alexander-Arnold, 'delightful' Mo Salah deal

April 14 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV+ host on the 2026 World Cup, 2025 Club World Cup and growth of game in America

April 11 – Kay Murray: ESPN FC host on Harry Kane and Bayern Munich's Bundesliga ambitions, 'undeniable talent' of Gio Reyna, and Ballon d'Or race without 'a standout contender'

April 8 – Kevin Egan: Apple TV analyst on possible Kevin De Bruyne link with Lionel Messi and MLS, Cavan Sullivan's 'swagger' and 'next-level' Wilfried Nancy

March 26 – Kasey Keller: 'Guys that would rather be on the beach' – ESPN's Kasey Keller knocks 'general malaise' of USMNT players, says Mauricio Pochettino must show 'he's 100 percent committed'

March 21 – Kaylyn Kyle: Apple TV studio analyst on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the 'chaotic' nature of MLS, why NWSL player exodus could 'hurt the league

March 13 – Micah Richards: CBS Sports analyst on Man City's future, why Real Madrid will win Champions League, and that bet with Jude Bellingham

March 11 – Antonella Gonzalez: Apple TV’s Antonella Gonzalez on interviewing Inter Miami's Lionel Messi, the rise of Latin American influence in MLS, and being a Hispanic woman in broadcasting

March 4 – Nico Cantor: CBS Analyst on 'world-class' Mauricio Pochettino, 'mixed' Champions League format, and why USL can compete with MLS

Feb 26 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst Andrew Wiebe on San Jose Earthquakes' 'massive offseason', Kevin De Bruyne's potential MLS arrival, league’s growth

Feb. 20 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV's analyst on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 'laying an egg' in MLS playoffs, Cavan Sullivan, and why Cincinnati are a threat

Feb. 18 – Taylor Twellman: Apple TV analyst on USMNT World Cup aspirations, Mauricio Pochettino, and team's signature wins – or lack thereof

Feb. 11 – Maurice Edu: Apple TV analyst on national team's potential, Cavan Sullivan's 'borderline arrogance' and 'global shop window' of MLS

Jan. 30 – Keith Costigan: Apple TV commentator on Mo Salah and Liverpool, the Olivier Giroud experiment at LAFC and more

Jan 28 – Nigel Reo-Coker: CBS Sports Golazo Network analyst on the new Champions League format, state of American soccer and Aston Villa

Jan 20 – Kate Scott: CBS Sports host on the American soccer psyche, USMNT's 'statement' hire in Mauricio Pochettino, 'enormous' 2026 World Cup and why Liverpool will win Champions League

Jan 13 – DaMarcus Beasley: USMNT legend on Lionel Messi's mindset, the 'good groove' for MLS and why Mauricio Pochettino is the 'right man for the job'

Jan. 9 – Callum Williams: Soccer analyst on Lionel Messi and 2025 Club World Cup, 'naivety towards' South American soccer, 'preposterous' that Jack Grealish has 'lost it'

Jan. 2 – Jenny Chiu: CBS reporter on 'big changes' by Emma Hayes, Mauricio Pochettino's 'pedigree' and possible UCL glory for Inter

Dec. 17 – Stu Holden: FOX Sports analyst on the evolution of the American game, why Christian Pulisic will be 'best U.S. Soccer player of all-time'

Dec. 12 – Brian Dunseth: Turner, Apple TV analyst on Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and USMNT's future under Mauricio Pochettino

Dec. 5 – Jalil Anibaba: Apple TV analyst on MLS Cup predictions, Inter Miami hiring Javier Mascherano and MLS's 'disheartening' coaching diversity issue

Nov. 21 – Andres Cantor: Telemundo legend on Mauricio Pochettino's Argentine mindset, the USMNT and having a front-row seat for the rise of the American game

Nov. 16 – Matt Doyle: Apple TV analyst assesses Inter Miami's defensive 'insanity,' whether Neymar could join Lionel Messi, MLS Cup favorite

Nov. 7 – Gary Neville: Veteran analyst talks USMNT World Cup hopes, 'hell of a player' Christian Pulisic, 'relentless' David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo to MLS

Oct. 31 – Herculez Gomez: ESPN FC analyst on Mauricio Pochettino's impact, the USMNT's 'wide-open' striker race, and a player pool 'that lacks accountability'

Oct. 29 – Rebecca Lowe: NBC host on the growth of soccer, the 'incredible' Emma Hayes and 'profile-raising' Mauricio Pochettino

Oct. 24 – Andrew Wiebe: Apple TV analyst on MLS playoffs, Lionel Messi's 'nuclear form' and how Inter Miami can become league's 'greatest team of all time

Oct. 17 – Jamie Carragher: Veteran analyst talks USMNT, slams Man City over legal case, questions Mauricio Pochettino despite 'great' hire