USMNT players who impressed in Mauricio Pochettino's debut: Yunus Musah, Ricardo Pepi and more
CBSN
A number of players who don't typically stand out on the national team did in Pochettino's first match
On Saturday we got the first look of the United States men's national team under Mauricio Pochettino in a 2-0 victory over Panama. It's a result that was never in doubt with Yunus Musah and Ricardo Pepi finding the back of the net, and while Panama had a few chances, Matt Turner was there when needed and Pochettino's USMNT controlled the game with defenders getting on the ball and pushing the pace.
You wouldn't know that this was the same USMNT that had one win in seven matches entering play or the one that couldn't play through Canada's press which is where Pochettino's fingerprints are beginning to show. Even formation-wise, while they were set up in a standard 4-3-3, it was more of a 3-4-3 when they took the pitch so Musah could push the pace from wide areas. Changes needed to happen without Tim Weah's pace and at least in game one, Pochettino pushed the right buttons.
While the entire team's performance has to be strong in securing a shutout victory, here are the players who may have improved their stock following a strong start under Pochettino:
