Winners and losers of the USMNT with Mauricio Pochettino at the helm: Christian Pulisic on the rise, Tyler Adams in trouble

All signs point to Mauricio Pochettino as new coach of the US men’s national team. While it is an exciting move, it could bring a lot of changes as he will be someone who could shake up the status quo of the USMNT setup. Aside from players like Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson, there won't be many who have a guaranteed spot in the starting lineup, but that is also an exciting proposition.

From players who don't regularly play for their clubs and make the starting eleven to the static line-up, there will be a much-needed shake-up. But who could be the winners and losers of Pochettino's appointment?

Winner: Christian Pulisic

Pulisic has already shown what he can do for club and country and is one of the biggest winners of the switch to Pochettino's attacking style. Pulisic is a powerful striker who applies pressure and takes his chances. He is someone who thrives in an attacking formation where he can show his creativity. If Pochettino can switch the formation around to allow others to create chances for him, this could be a real opportunity for the winger. Given how the strikers have performed under Pochettino, Pulisic can expect more room to play but it will be up to him to make the most of that space.

Loser: Matt Turner

Coming back to the need for regular playing time, Turner is someone who could make a splash with this move. As a reserve player at Nottingham Forest, if he doesn't move elsewhere during the season or secure the starting position, he could look elsewhere. Ethan Horvath plays for Cardiff City, Gaga Slonina plays for Barnsley and Patrick Schulte plays for the Columbus Crew, so there's no shortage of options in goal depending on what he's looking for.

Winner: Chris Richards

Tactical flexibility means one of the most versatile defenders on the team has become even more important. Chris Richards is good in the air and on the ball and has solid positioning. Richards learned a lot playing in defensive midfield for Crystal Palace. He knows when to advance to make a tackle and when to hang back. The USMNT could switch to a back three or four under Pochettino, which is also something Richards has experience with. There is still work to be done on figuring out who his partner will be, but Richards seems set on the defensive lineup.

Loser: Tyler Adams

With Tyler Adams starting the Premier League season injured again, the question is how much his legs can take. Add to that Pochettino's style of play, which requires a lot of running and fitness, and you wonder if Adams' days as a regular starter are numbered. First, he needs to get healthy again, but when that happens, given the wealth of midfield options at Pochettino's disposal, it could be in the best interests of all concerned that he becomes an enforcer off the bench for the national team.

Winner: Matt Crocker

Having worked with Pochettino at Southampton, Crocker's European connections are already paying off. Since joining the US soccer team as sporting director, Crocker has been able to sign Emma Hayes and is close to signing Pochettino. Bringing two of the best coaches in the world to the US soccer team is something to be proud of and shows that a good foundation is being laid for the future.

Losers: The rest of Concacaf

There is a lot to be hopeful about with Pochettino as the USMNT coach, but given that the USMNT was already at the top of Concacaf without the Argentine, they can do something impressive with him. Canada will try their best to compete under Jesse Marsch, but the Canucks still have a long way to go to catch up to the USMNT in terms of depth. If Pochettino can develop the young players on the USMNT team while also bringing more dual nationality players onto the team, there is a lot to look forward to in 2026.