The US Men’s National team looks for a three peat of Nations League trophies to kick off a massive year for the country. Gregg Berhalter’s latest roster has been pretty much received without complaint from the USMNT fan community. However there are a few players whose inclusion in the roster seemingly answers questions about their health:
In-Form
Christian Pulisic is coming into this camp potentially in the form of his life. 11 goals and seven assists in 38 games across all competitions, which equals the most he’s ever contributed, which came during the 2019-20 season for Chelsea. Josh Sargent is also in the best form of his career, He’s tallied 12 goals and one assist in the championship for Norwich, in just 19 games. Last season, he need 41 games to reach 13 goals and two assists, so he looks to absolutely shatter that tally barring a serious injury. Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, and Antonee Robinson are also seemingly dropping high quality performances week in and week out in big five leagues.
Injury Concerns?
Tyler Adams had missed a large chunk of time due to a hamstring injury, but he finally returned to action in Bournemouth’s stunning comeback win, and he earned a spot on the nations league roster. There had been questions surrounding whether it was smart to bring him in if he couldn’t go a full 90, or if he needed to be eased back in. But the World Cup captain is here nonetheless, which must be a good sign about his fitness.
Giovanni Reyna’s situation is an anomaly. His loan move to relegation contenders Nottingham Forest was very strangely received when it happened, and the people who feared it are somewhat vindicated. Reyna has played just 39 minutes since his move, and now he’s picked up a knock in training. There were also questions surrounding his fitness, and whether it was beneficial to him to bring him, or let him heal. Josh Sargent is also in a similar situation, but to a lesser degree. Coming off an injury and not necessarily “100%.” But Josh is flying so it would have to be really bad to not include him.
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The Nations League is not yet a prestigious tournament by any stretch of the imagination. But, winning it comfortably should be the bare minimum, as they look ahead to the Copa America in June.
Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports, of a Tyler Adams Headshot, on December 3, 2022.
