USMNT Shake-Up: Why Dest’s Starting Role Is Under Threat
The first club weekend after the October international break brought mixed fortunes for U.S. men’s national team players. Below you will see inormation about this news which has been summarized The Football Breakdown.
Several stars, including Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, and Antonee Robinson, missed action due to injuries. Others who returned healthy mostly found themselves starting on the bench rather than in the first XI.
Even in European competitions, results were uneven. Some players earned valuable minutes in the Champions League, while others struggled to make an impression. With only 232 days until the U.S. announces its World Cup roster, competition for spots is heating up.
ESPN’s “Countdown to June 11” series continues to monitor these developments closely. Every performance now matters as players fight not only for their club futures but also for a place in the national team’s 26-man squad on home soil.
Dest’s Starting Spot No Longer Guaranteed
Sergiño Dest’s attacking flair has long made him one of the most exciting defenders in the U.S. setup, but his discipline is again under scrutiny. After performing well in PSV’s 2-1 win over Go Ahead Eagles, he was set to start in the Champions League against Napoli until he showed up late to the stadium. Manager Peter Bosz reacted swiftly, removing him from the starting lineup.
Dest eventually came on as a substitute, and while no further punishment followed, the timing of his mistake was poor. His recent injury had already opened the door for others, with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino testing Tim Weah and Alex Freeman as alternatives at right-back and wingback.
Now, Dest’s defensive lapses and lack of discipline could cost him. His position is no longer safe, especially with Weah proving adaptable and dependable. If Dest wants to stay in both PSV’s and the USMNT’s starting plans, consistency and professionalism are non-negotiable.
Read Also: Real Madrid Shakes Up Lineup Ahead of Crucial Juventus Clash
Balogun’s Battle for Consistency
Folarin Balogun’s form continues to fluctuate at Monaco. After starting on the bench against Angers, he came on to score a vital equalizer in a 1–1 draw. His performance earned him a Champions League start against Tottenham, but despite several chances, he couldn’t beat goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario in a scoreless contest.
The positives are clear Balogun creates danger whenever he’s on the field but so are the challenges. Competition at Monaco is fierce, with Ansu Fati, George Ilenikhena, and Mika Biereth all pushing for minutes. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi’s goal and assist for PSV have intensified the fight for the U.S. No. 9 spot.
Balogun remains a top contender, but he’ll need consistent performances to secure his place for both club and country. The coming weeks will be crucial to prove he can deliver regularly under pressure.
Roldan Rising in MLS Playoffs
As the MLS Cup playoffs begin, all eyes are on Cristian Roldan, who has surged into top form at the perfect time. Once on the fringe of the national team, Roldan has forced his way back into Pochettino’s thoughts through outstanding performances in recent months.
His displays in the Club World Cup and Leagues Cup showed he can hold his own against world-class players, including Lionel Messi. That experience has translated into confidence and leadership for the Seattle Sounders.
Seattle may not have home advantage against Minnesota United, but with Roldan playing some of the best football of his career, they remain a dangerous side. More importantly, Roldan’s rise adds another strong contender to the growing list of USMNT players fighting for a World Cup place. Follow footballtipsonline.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest stories.
