Mauricio Pochettino Needs To Rotate The USA Squad Versus Turkiye

USA is in a weird, but great position as they are essentially playing a tune up game before going into the knockout rounds as this isn't something the team is used to playing in. However, here they are essentially playing a meaningless match. That being said, it's not totally as meaningless as one might think as this will allow Pochettino to rest some of his players and try out some new tactics. Because of how less important this match is, he will have to rotate some players for numerous reasons.

Rest The Yellow Card Players

This should be the easiest decision here as there are four impactful players who have a yellow card: Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Antonee Robinson. If hypothetically any one of them picks up another yellow card in the match against Turkey, then they would be suspended for their Round of 32 match. Pochettino has already said that these guys will start on the bench, but they shouldn't play at all just in case. Plus it might help giving them some rest.

Rest Tim Ream

Ream is 38 years old, that's old especially for a player in the sport. While Ream might be the captain and his presence is needed, this is a time where he can relax and "coach" off to the side. Ream will absolutely be needed in the knockout rounds and it is vital to keep him as fresh as possible. If he is needed to play for a bit, 30-45 minutes should be the max amount of time on the pitch.

Either Not Play Christian Pulisic Or Limit Him

This is an interesting dilemma as Pulisic is training despite coming off an injury. Resting Pulisic might seem the most sensible especially considering he is coming off an injury, but what if Pulisic gets rusty due to not playing after two weeks? At that point, it might makes some sense to play him for 30-45 minutes just so he can get some work in and stay in shape. Pulisic doesn't need to push hard either, another injury to him could be costly or even devastating. The US needs him in the knockout rounds. Can they win without Pulisic? Sure, but he is their best player and having the best player fit and playing well always leads good results. It's certainly a predicament for Pochettino on how to handle Pulisic.

Should Sergino Dest and Alex Freeman Start?

Here's another dilemma for Pochettino, should he start Dest and Freeman? Dest is a dynamic fullback/wingback and instantly helps make attacks better and Freeman is an up and coming rising star. Maybe giving them a week off to be more fresh and avoid any possible injury situations isn't such a bad idea. Again, does Pochettino leave them on the bench or have them play so many amount of minutes to keep them fit? It's a hard decision especially with how important they are.

How To Use Malik Tillman And Weston McKennie

Now Tillman and McKennie have been the most influential players on the pitch thus far in the World Cup for the team. Tillman has arguably been the best player for Pochettino's squad and McKennie being the "swiss army knife" like athlete that he is, the importance of them cannot be overstated. The two probably should get as much playing time as possible, but subbed off or on so they can stay fit. Both will be needed in the knockout round, risking any sort possibility of an injury would be devastating especially considering how much they contribute on the pitch. Even if McKennie and Tillman play the whole match, how much should they be involved? At that point it might make sense to have them play lesser roles just so they can stay fresh and avoid any injury possibilities.

Show Off The Depth

Now, this is the biggest reason for this article being written. Pochettino should utilize his bench players and have them start. Sure, playing them and they get injured is a risk, but it could help out in crucial situations in knockout rounds. Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi should be playing in this match, how they should be utilized is a different situation. Giovanni Reyna should be used in a very important role as that could help him when he has to go against one of the better nations. Brendan Aaronson, Alejandro Zendejas, and Timothy Weah should get as much playing time here just so they are fit when their number is called in the knockout round. Sebastian Berhalter should be the player that covers what Adams does just in case he is needed in the knockout rounds. Auston Trusty, Joe Scally, Mark McKenzie, Miles Robinson, and Max Arfsten should also get some playing time here just for the same reasons mentioned above. How Pochettino will line them up is a different story, but having his depth play as many minutes here is crucial.