USMNT Starting XI: Christian Pulisic is obvious, but what bold calls will Mauricio Pochettino make for Nations League vs Jamaica?

Arguably the USMNT’s best defender, and perhaps their most consistent player outside of Christian Pulisic, Robinson is a lock for Pochettino at left back. The Fulham ace has been brilliant in the English Premier League for Fulham of late, recently setting up a late winner for the Cottagers against Brentford. For the sake of dealing with Jamaica star Leon Bailey as well, Robinson needs to be deployed on the left flank, as Bailey is the Reggae Boyz’ most dangerous attacker.

Still playing at a ridiculously high level after his transfer to MLS side Charlotte FC, Ream is a lock in the U.S. defense at the moment. With Chris Richards still not fully healthy after a recent injury, it looks like Ream could be key for the USMNT once again during this window.

A veteran leader, Ream started both matches during the October international window, and put forth two quality performances. There’s zero reason to expect him to be replaced, especially considering he provides a sense of veteran leadership on the backline.

After his summer transfer to Ligue 1 side Toulouse, McKenzie has taken a step up and elevated his game. He started next to Ream in las month’s 2-0 victory over Panama, and the expectation should be that he returns to that role. He’s been playing incredibly well in France, and as a result, should be rewarded with the start in leg one against the Reggae Boyz.

If it’s not broken, why change it? If Pochettino does look elsewhere, though, Auston Trusty should be the next up in line, with Miles Robinson behind.

With Dest sidelined, Scally is the man on the right side of the defense. He’s so consistent, but tends to not stand out – which is neither good nor bad, from a U.S. perspective. He quietly does his job every time he’s asked to, but because he doesn’t have the attacking influence that Dest does, he’s constantly overlooked.

With Gladbach this season, Scally has been fantastic in the Bundesliga, starting 10 matches for the German side. For Pochettino, Scally is a player he knows he can rely on, and knows exactly what strengths he brings.

With no clear backup on the roster, Pochettino hinted at Yunus Musah as a potential replacement, if needed.

Musah has struggled for minutes with AC Milan this season, but when has received opportunities, he’s used them to stand out.

Deployed in a right wingback/right midfielder role with the Rossoneri in the UEFA Champions League against reigning champions Real Madrid, Musah was one of Milan’s top-performers as they stunned Los Blancos 3-1 in the marquee competition. In his best performance to date for the Italian club, he was crucial to keeping Ballon d’Or runner-up Vinicius Jr. quiet on the pitch.

Of course, under Pochettino, he won’t play the same role, but he deserves to be handed the start, simply based on his performances of late for his club. Factor in his brilliant performance against Panama in October – in which he scored his first international goal – and he should absolutely be first on the ballot against Jamaica.

You’re a wizard, Weston.

The Juventus midfielder has been so consistent for the Bianconeri this season, with the 26-year-old breaking out under manager Thiago Motta. With a number of midfielders on Juventus’ roster, he hasn’t been able to start every match for the Italian club. But when he’s been on the pitch, he’s been brilliant. In eight matches, four of which he’s started, he has two assists and one goal.

For the USMNT and Pochettino, he’s a crucial part of the midfield, both defensively and offensively. He’s proven to be a danger on set-pieces in the final-third, but is also a ball-winning passer in the middle of the park. Without Adams available, he will be crucial.

Aaronson’s revival at Leeds this season has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s earned the fans’ trust and has been one of their best performers this season.

There’s a bigger issue, though. He has yet to replicate that on the international stage in recent opportunities. Still, if there was ever a chance to ride his confidence and trust him in the midfield, it’s now. If he doesn’t perform well, it could prove to be costly for his chances going forward.

Can he take advantage of the moment? Or will Pochettino go the route of starting Malik Tillman instead? It’s one of the most exciting battles to watch heading into this camp, but this seems like an opportunity in which Aaronson could flourish.

With five goals and three assists in 11 appearances for AC Milan in Serie A action, and two goals and one assist in the UCL, yeah, we’ll put Pulisic into the XI.

It’s a bold call for sure, but we think it will work out…

It might not be a popular choice, but with Tim Weah suspended for leg one against Jamaica as a result of his red card in Copa America, the U.S. need a creative winger on the right side of the pitch. Zendejas is that man.

Many might believ Aaronson should be deployed there, resulting in Tillman in the No. 10 role, but Aaronson’s success for both club and country has always come in a more central role. Moving him wide could result in a similar outcome as the match against Panama – he was lost in space.

Since returning from injury for Club America in September, Zendejas has scored two goals and recorded one assist in 11 matches for the Liga MX giants. Although his numbers aren’t standing out at the moment, he plays in an environment that will be similar to Jamaica in leg one. His bright cameo against Mexico should earn him a shot.

With Sargent, Wright and Balogun out, it’s Pepi time for the USMNT.

The biggest opportunity of his international career to date, the PSV youngster needs to seize this chance and not let go. With three forwards in the pool sidelined, he’s the next man up, and if he can make some noise, it will no doubt have a lasting impact on his chances in the XI under Pochettino.

The 21-year-old began the Eredivisie season as a backup, but he’s since worked his way into the XI under Peter Bosz, and he’s made the most of it. In three starts and 11 appearances for the Dutch side, he’s recorded seven goal-contributions. If he can bring that sort of form to camp, it boasts well for the U.S.’ chances of advancing.