Sergiño Dest will have an unexpected role with the USMNT moving forward

For the last two World Cup cycles, Sergiño Dest has been the undisputed starter for the USMNT at right-back, or right wing-back, for the 2026 World Cup when Mauricio Pochettino switched to a three-back lineup. Based on his age and reputation, Dest would appear to be in line to remain the top choice at right-back for the 2030 World Cup cycle. However, that no longer appears to be the case.

When the USMNT plays its first competitive matches of the new cycle against Haiti in the Nations League, Dest will be in a new, unexpected role. In fact, he’ll find himself serving in multiple roles for the national team. Dest remains an integral part of the squad and is among the more talented players Pochettino has at his disposal. But moving forward, he won’t be the starting right-back and will instead have a different role to play between now and the 2030 World Cup.

The arrival of Alex Freeman

Technically, Dest did nothing wrong to be demoted from the starting right-back spot. Granted, he’s not the most reliable defensive player, which some would consider a prerequisite for playing along the back line. But this is all about the emergence of Alex Freeman. During the 2026 World Cup, Freeman was one of the most impactful players on the USMNT, and the 22-year-old only figures to get better in the years to come. Based on the four friendlies during the last window, it’s clear that Pochettino favors Freeman as the top-choice right-back, and rightfully so.

It also doesn’t help Dest that right back is a position of great depth for the U.S. Bryan Reynolds is back in the mix after being brought into camp for the November international window. Meanwhile, despite being among the snubs in November, both Tim Weah and Joe Scally provide additional depth at right back. With this many options at his primary position, there isn’t a huge need for Dest to play right back if he’s capable of helping at other positions.

On the wing

Where does Dest fit in if not at right-back? The answer is on the wing. It’s no secret that Dest is far better as an attacking player than he is as a defensive player. Therefore, he’s a perfect fit to play as a winger, where he can create chances by dribbling at defenders, making late runs into the box, sending crosses into the box, or tucking inside and setting himself up for long-range shots.

The reasons why Pochettino’s three-back formation during the World Cup put Dest in a position to succeed are the same reasons why he’s set to excel as a winger. In fact, the only game that Dest started during the last international window came as a winger against Peru, a game in which he recorded an assist. That’s a signal that Pochettino knows that Dest’s future with the national team is no longer at right-back, at least not exclusively.

We just need to work harder on the left side

Even if the depth chart at right-back is crowded, Dest can still contribute at left-back as Antonee Robinson’s top deputy. Dest is fully capable of playing left-back and has plenty of experience at that position for both club and country. 

More importantly, he’s still the second-best left-back in the player pool behind Robinson. The likes of Max Arfsten and Peyton Miller are competing to be Robinson’s backup, while players like George Bello, Caleb Wiley, and John Tolkien shouldn’t be forgotten. But until one of those players establishes themselves as a viable left-back at the international level, Dest is still the best option if Robinson is unavailable for a competitive match.

Sergiño Dest: Super sub

Ultimately, Dest’s role for the 2030 World Cup cycle appears to be that of a substitute. He’s no longer the first choice at right-back, and given the depth the USMNT has among wingers and attacking midfielders, Dest isn’t guaranteed a starting spot at that position either. That will leave Dest to come off the bench, which may not be a bad thing.

The fact that a player of Dest’s quality is available off the bench speaks to the impressive talent and depth the USMNT is finally building. His versatility and ability to provide a spark offensively make him an ideal player to have coming off the bench. Granted, there will be games when Dest is needed in the starting lineup. But his use over the next four years will likely be as a sub. It’s not the role Dest may have imagined for himself, but it’s one where he can contribute to the USMNT the most.

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