The vibes for the United States men’s national team are shifting. Mauricio Pochettino has officially called up 13 players who have never suited up for the senior squad, and honestly? It’s giving main character energy. While 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan is getting all the hype, there are a bunch of other young ballers worth your attention. Let’s break down who these guys are and why they might just change the game. ## Goalkeepers: Kochen and Schwake First up is Kochen, the Miami-born keeper currently getting professional seasoning on loan at Lyngby. He’s a total wildcard since his Danish league lacks deep stats, but scouts are digging his proactive style. Then there’s the "unc" of the group, Schwake. Playing for Nashville, he’s been absolutely cooking this season with an impressive 0.81 goals-allowed rate. He’s solid on distribution and knows how to keep a clean sheet. ## The Backline: Westfield, Pierre, and Miller Right back has been lowkey the thinnest spot for the US, but Westfield is here to fix that. He’s racking up progressive passes at a level that rivals Lionel Messi—no cap, that is wild. Standing at a massive 6ft 7in, Pierre is the standout from the Philadelphia Union academy. He’s not just a tall guy winning headers; he’s a legit playmaker from the backline. Meanwhile, Miller is being hyped as having the highest ceiling of all the young left-backs, especially since he’s showing major goalscoring instincts lately. ## Attackers and Midfielders: Albert, Gozo, and Mehmeti Albert is the one to watch if you want pure, raw talent. Even though he’s still finding his footing at Dortmund II, his acceleration with the ball is elite. Then there’s Gozo, who honestly might be the most ready to stick with the senior team long-term. His ability to turn a "meh" situation into a dangerous shot is highkey impressive. Finally, Mehmeti is basically the engine of the Red Bulls. He’s playing with a level of poise that makes him look like a vet despite only debuting this year. Real talk, this kid is the best midfield prospect we've seen since Tyler Adams. ## Why it matters With the World Cup in the rearview, the USMNT is clearly looking to rebuild and find a new identity. This group of newcomers represents a massive infusion of youth and potential, and if these guys can translate their club form to the international stage, the team’s future is looking bright.
USMNT new players: Meet the 12 rising stars joining the national team
Mauricio Pochettino is shaking things up by calling in a fresh squad of 13 newcomers—here is the lowdown on the players you need to watch.

Source: The Guardian ↗ · Rewritten with the help of AI — check the source for important details.
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