MLS Rising: Pochettino's Approach to American Soccer Development
American soccer players have long been advised to go to Europe to enhance their chances of being called up to the U.S. Men's National Team. However, under the leadership of coach Mauricio Pochettino, the focus has shifted to prioritizing consistent and strong performances over playing for big-name European clubs. Pochettino values regular playing time over club reputation, leading many American prospects to stay in Major League Soccer (MLS) to showcase their skills.
Diego Luna, a rising star at Real Salt Lake, exemplifies this new approach by prioritizing playing time and performance over moving to a European club solely for the sake of prestige. Luna's dedication to MLS and commitment to consistent playing time have caught the attention of Pochettino and the USMNT coaching staff. Similarly, Matt Turner, another USMNT player, returned to MLS to regain form and secure more playing time ahead of the World Cup.
Pochettino's emphasis on consistent playing time has proven to be beneficial for MLS in 2025, as top American talents like Luna, Turner, Luca de la Torre, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Matt Freese are choosing to stay in the league without compromising their international development. This shift in mindset has allowed American stars to thrive in MLS while still being considered for the USMNT, showcasing the league's growing importance in the development of American soccer talent.
The USMNT is set to face South Korea in an international friendly on Sep. 6, with several MLS-based players expected to feature in the roster. Pochettino's focus on performance and playing time has reshaped the development path for young American players, highlighting the significance of MLS in nurturing and showcasing top talent on the international stage.