Mauricio Pochettino on USMNT's Emerging Teen Talent: What He Wants Before Calling Them Up

Younger players like Cavan Sullivan and Zavier Gozo are catching attention as they push for spots on the U.S. Men’s National Team. Manager Mauricio Pochettino is paying close attention, not just to their skills with the ball but to much more.

Pochettino says the team is monitoring everything closely. “We are watching everything,” he said. “We are seeing everything. We are being there, with our scouting or, sometimes, us.” The challenge lies in choosing the right moment to bring these teenagers in—too soon might hurt their growth, too late could mean missing chances to build confidence.

What Pochettino Looks for Beyond Talent

The coach stresses that confidence is necessary but must be balanced. “You need to have trust in yourself and believe you can perform well, but there’s a limit. The balance is the most important,” he explained. Protecting young players is part of the responsibility.

Players should use their confidence to score goals and improve daily. Pochettino points out that maturity and respect are key traits. It’s not just about how they play but how they behave off the field. “Respect is the most important thing,” he said. “We want players who feel brave, confident, but not arrogant.”

Each player’s readiness is judged individually, also considering which positions have openings. For example, goalkeeper is a tough spot with limited opportunities. Pochettino plans to introduce new talent across various roles, thinking ahead to tournaments like the 2030 World Cup and upcoming Olympic Games.

Profiles of the Next Generation

Cavan Sullivan stands out with three goals in his last three matches at just 16, competing against adults. Tim Howard praises him highly, saying on the Unfiltered Podcast, “Who’s better than this kid? He should be in the conversation to play every game.” Sullivan believes in himself too, imagining making an impact if given a chance in big matches.

Zavier Gozo, once close to the World Cup roster, was deemed not quite ready by Pochettino but remains motivated after moving to Crystal Palace. He says, “It just put a fire under me to make the next World Cup and show why I should be there.”

Balancing Youth and Experience

The transition won’t be sudden. Veterans like Chris Richards will stay involved, helping guide newcomers. Richards notes the process continues from previous cycles rather than cutting ties with all past players at once.

Pochettino agrees, emphasizing mixing experience with youth to manage pressure and build a competitive team. “We cannot bring a whole squad of young players,” he said. “Experienced players and young players can fit together and start to work.”

Observing the Details

Pochettino watches beyond matches—training habits, behavior with teammates and opponents, and media interactions all matter. “How they behave with their teammates, how they behave with opponents, how they speak to coaches,” he said. These small signs reveal who’s ready for the next step.

Unlike club football where he sees players daily, national team camps come rarely, so timing the call-ups is tricky. A player not ready one month might be ready months later.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada will offer chances for young players but won’t be the last. Decisions now will influence the USMNT’s path through 2030. Balancing promising youngsters and seasoned veterans falls on Pochettino’s shoulders as he builds a professional, competitive squad.