The United States men’s national team (USMNT) has seen its stature rise over the last few years due to Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival and Major League Soccer’s (MLS) growth. However, a pundit has claimed his nation’s soccer structure has catching up to do.
Steve Cherundolo Questions Youth System as Tab Ramos Predicts Mauricio Pochettino Exit
During an interview with USMNT icon Cobi Jones on “Los Angeles Galaxy’s YouTube channel,” USMNT legend Steve Cherundolo shared his honest thoughts on the future of soccer in the United States. He claimed the nation’s youth academies are still not elite enough.
“We’re playing catch-up in the United States to South America and Europe. We’re about 70 years behind with our development on this sport in our country. And we also can’t be afraid to use what’s working. And I really do believe creating a system where players are trying to find their level and having to move up a level to get to the next level so they can be tested week in and week out,” the Hannover 96 great told on ‘Cobi Club’.
While MLS Next Pro offers a platform for the nation’s youth in reserve teams, quite a number of local talents have left the country in search of a better future in the past. USMNT stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Folarin Balogun have all played in European youth setups before making a name for themselves as seniors.
On the other hand, top European and South American sides rely on their established systems to develop promising talent. Teams like Barcelona, Ajax, Manchester United, Chelsea, River Plate, and Santos are renowned for developing some of the world’s most famous stars.
Interestingly, Cherundolo himself moved to Europe as a teenager after leaving the University of Portland’s soccer team in 1999. He spent his entire club career at Hannover 96.
READ MORE:Â USMNT Hero Christian Pulisic Backed to Replace Premier League Star
Meanwhile, USMNT great Tab Ramos has claimed that Pochettino will leave the USMNT after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a potential blow to the tournament co-hosts. “I do. I expect Pochettino to go. I think he still lives in Barcelona, from what I know. I think he is going to be in Europe after the World Cup is over,” Ramos told GOAL.
Pochettino, who has reportedly been linked with a return to Tottenham Hotspur this month, has a contract until June 2026. The Argentine could opt to depart to continue his European chapter after leading his current team in its 12th FIFA World Cup this summer.
