Go to Europe.
That’s long been the refrain for any American soccer player hoping to make his debut with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Go to Europe, sign with a recognizable club in a recognizable league, train with a top coach and don’t worry about whether or not you’re a consistent starter. Trust that the allure of your European bonafides will charm the USMNT and lock in your call-up.
That advice doesn’t fly anymore. USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, himself a veteran of the European club system, has flipped the script on how American players can best prepare to represent their country. Named USMNT coach in August 2024, Pochettino is not blinded by the shine of big-name clubs. He’s interested in one thing and one thing only: regular, strong performances, no matter where in the world his USMNT candidates are based.
“For me, the most important factor is how they are performing in their club,” said Pochettino, per Lizzy Becherano of ESPN.com.
Pochettino’s new USMNT mindset of club minutes over club reputation has led to a seismic shift in the development path of young American players. Instead of fleeing the U.S. — and, by extension, Major League Soccer — in favor of Europe, many top American prospects are staying put. They’re dedicating the prime of their careers to MLS because they know the league will give them what Pochettino wants to see: consistent, dedicated playing time.
No young USMNT player exemplifies this shift more than Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna. The 21-year-old attacker made his mark on the USMNT with gritty, technically gifted performances in 2025, catching the eye of several European clubs in the process. But while playing in Europe remains a goal for Luna, he’s not interested in sacrificing his playing time just to get a big-name club on his resume. He’s listening to Pochettino and staying in Salt Lake.
