The U.S. men’s national team is undergoing a quiet transformation under Mauricio Pochettino, and one of its key players is taking notice. Seattle Sounders star Cristian Roldan says the Argentine coach is reshaping the roster with a focus on performance rather than geography – rewarding players who earn their spot, whether in Europe or Major League Soccer.
Roldan, 29, has been part of the recent call-ups alongside rising talents like Diego Luna and Maximilian Arfsten.
For the midfielder, Pochettino‘s approach signals a merit-based system that emphasizes adaptability, work ethic, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations.
“I think we feel that, especially based on his decisions to bring in guys like myself who, you know, had a good year,” Roldan explained to Tim Howard and Landon Donovan on Unfiltered Soccer.
“And, you know, if you have a good year, you might get rewarded. And I think that’s the belief that you need to have day in and day out.”
The former MLS All-Star added that Pochettino isn’t afraid to select players from the domestic league and put them in challenging international matches.
“He’s shown that he’s not afraid to choose a player from MLS and put him under pressure,” Roldan noted.
Pochettino’s pressure test: merit over location
For Roldan, the key message is clear: performance under pressure opens doors.
“If you provide, if you show that you can play under pressure, you know, you can have a national team career with Pochettino,” he added.
“And I think that it truly doesn’t matter where you play, it’s how you play. And I think that’s what I’ve appreciated with Pochettino, that he’s given chances to a lot of players this year.”
Pochettino, who took over after Gregg Berhalter‘s tenure, has slightly adjusted the tactical approach of the U.S. squad.
While Berhalter relied heavily on a European-based core, Pochettino appears more flexible, recognizing standout performers in MLS alongside international stars.
This philosophy not only encourages domestic players but also signals to young Americans that strong play at home can be a path to the senior national team.
Roldan‘s praise underlines how the coach is cultivating competition and accountability within the squad.
USMNT can only benefit from fair approach
By rewarding form and consistent performances, Pochettino has created an environment where players must perform regardless of their league or club, a strategy that could pay dividends as the USMNT prepares for the World Cup and future international tournaments.
For MLS players, this is a clear signal: solid performances at home can earn you a shot on the international stage. And with European-based stars, it reinforces the need to maintain high standards to secure selection.
Pochettino has come under heat for his approach, but with Roldan speaking out in support, it shows he at least has the players’ backing heading into the World Cup in four months’ time.
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