Mauricio Pochettino's philosophy, since he has been the USMNT head coach, is that it does not matter where you are playing. Matt Freese, Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, Sebastian Berhalter, and Cristian Roldan are all MLS players that Pochettino has used regularly.
However, as we approach the World Cup, the number of MLS players who could start for the USMNT would appear to be a low number.
There will definitely be an MLS goalkeeper starting for the USMNT, as Freese, Matt Turner, Chris Brady, Patrick Schulte, and Roman Celentano are Pochettino's only options. They are all currently with MLS clubs, although Turner's parent club is Olympique Lyonnais, but he is on loan at the New England Revolution.
Ream is the USMNT's current captain, but Pochettino will have options as to who will wear the armband this summer. Many feel it should be Tyler Adams of AFC Bournemouth who led the side at the 2022 World Cup. Ream is now 38, and the center-back has been in and out of the team in recent friendlies.
There is not much space in the USMNT lineup for MLS players
Other MLS center-backs who were in the recent USMNT roster include Robinson and Arfstan. However, Crystal Palace's Chris Richards and Celtic's Auston Trusty could make up Pochettino's partnership in central defense.
In central midfield, Berhalter and Roldan are knocking on the door. However, there are plenty of USMNT options in the middle of the park who are at top European clubs. This includes Adams, but also Weston McKennie, who is with Juventus, and Johnny Cardoso, who plays for Atletico Madrid.
Christian Pulisic of AC Milan is expected to be the main man for the USMNT this summer. He will be playing on either the left, right, or as an attacking midfielder. Arfstan could do a job in an attacking role, but there is also Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake, who could be a wildcard.
The forward areas appear to be covered as the USMNT has the likes of Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright, and Tim Weah, amongst others.
There is huge pressure on Pochettino to get a balanced lineup for the World Cup this summer, which the United States is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. Taking players who are at European clubs is his best bet in ensuring the USMNT can at least make it out of their group. However, there are players such as Gio Reyna who are not getting sufficient game time at their teams in Europe. This could open the door for an MLS player to get a chance in the lineup.
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