Forget the old playbook! USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is flipping the script on how American players make the national team. Is consistent playing time in MLS now the golden ticket over a European transfer? Find out how this shift impacts rising stars like Diego Luna and the future of U.S. soccer.

A paradigm shift is underway in American soccer player development, spearheaded by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is redefining the pathway to international success. His groundbreaking philosophy prioritizes consistent playing time over the traditional allure of European club affiliations, prompting a significant reevaluation for aspiring national team members.

For years, the conventional wisdom dictated that any American soccer player aspiring to debut with the U.S. Men’s National Team must pursue opportunities in Europe. The belief was that signing with a recognizable club in a prominent league, training under top coaches, and even being a rotational player, would grant the necessary bonafides to secure a USMNT call-up. The prestige of a European name on a resume often outweighed the actual on-field contributions.

However, Pochettino, a veteran of the European club system himself, has unequivocally flipped this script. Named USMNT coach in August 2024, he remains undeterred by the superficial gleam of big-name clubs. Instead, his singular focus lies on one critical metric: regular, strong performances. For Pochettino, the geographical base of a USMNT candidate is secondary to their sustained competitive involvement.

This new mindset, emphasizing crucial club minutes over mere club reputation, has initiated a seismic shift in the developmental trajectory of young American players. Many top prospects, who might once have felt compelled to abandon the U.S. — and, by extension, Major League Soccer — for Europe, are now choosing to remain stateside. They are dedicating the prime of their burgeoning careers to MLS, recognizing that the league can provide precisely what Pochettino demands: consistent, dedicated playing time.

Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna exemplifies this profound transformation. The 21-year-old attacker, through gritty and technically gifted performances in 2025, made a significant mark on the USMNT, attracting considerable interest from several European clubs. Yet, while playing in Europe remains a long-term aspiration for Luna, he is resolute in not sacrificing valuable playing time merely to add a renowned club to his curriculum vitae. He is demonstrably heeding Pochettino’s directive and opting to continue his development in Salt Lake.

Luna is not an isolated case. His USMNT teammate Matt Turner, a player who previously ventured to Europe earlier in his career specifically to break into the national team, has also returned to play more regularly. This growing trend among key American talents underscores the profound impact of Pochettino’s strategic shift on player choices and career paths within American soccer.

Pochettino’s unwavering belief in consistent playing time has quietly emerged as one of Major League Soccer’s most significant boons in 2025. While attracting global superstars like Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min undeniably elevates the league’s profile, retaining and nurturing top American talent is arguably even more crucial for its long-term health and credibility. With players like Diego Luna and Matt Turner committing to MLS, alongside other impactful figures such as San Diego’s Luca de la Torre, Charlotte’s Tim Ream, Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson, and NYCFC’s Matt Freese, the aspiration of keeping American stars in American soccer without compromising their international development is finally becoming a tangible reality.

The USMNT is poised to return to competitive action on September 6th, facing South Korea in an eagerly anticipated international friendly. Many of Pochettino’s MLS-based players are widely expected to be named to the roster, validating the efficacy of his innovative approach and signaling a new era for United States Men’s National Team soccer. This strategic realignment promises a more robust and experienced pipeline of domestic talent for future international competitions.