ORLANDO — After spending the week with a new wave of U.S. soccer prospects — better than any other — after morning workouts, one-on-one meetings and bonding sessions punctuated by sing-alongs, coach Mauricio Pochettino has a better understanding of his youthful roster.
It’s gotten to the point where he seems confident enough to throw most of them into his first U.S. match since the World Cup, Saturday afternoon’s friendly against Peru.
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Given the short lead-up to the first of four tests in 11 days, many veterans are in a better position to start. But with 11 subs allowed and Pochettino’s desire to integrate players at the start of the period leading up to the 2030 World Cup, the USA are sure to have a youthful look for much of the match.
Specifically, the fan base is eager to see 16-year-old forward Kavan Sullivan, who will be the youngest player to make his USMNT debut since 16-year-old Freddy Adu in 2006.
Based on Sullivan’s breakout season with the Philadelphia Union, “he is ready, but so are the rest of the players,” Pochettino said on Friday. “Of course we’ll mix it up a bit with some new players – or young players – big players. It’s important, it’s a mix. [and] hope this works. In the rest of the game; this is our idea.”
Speaking about the group as a whole, Pochettino added: “We’re in a very good place. Talking about Cavan, he’s doing really well in Philadelphia and that’s why he’s here. He’s mature enough to be there on the pitch and compete.”
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Sullivan – just over two years into his professional career and a youth international who will take him to Manchester City when he turns 18 – was among dozens of players invited to their first senior camp.
Kavan Sullivan, 16, will become the youngest player to debut for the United States since Freddy Adu in 2006 if he faces Peru on Saturday.
(Taylor Banner/USSF via Getty Images)
Sullivan matches up well with established players.
“He’s very quiet. I think he’s a little nervous,” said World Cup defender Alex Freeman, 22, 12 years older than his 27 teammates. “He’s very motivated. He wants to be able to get better. … He’s going to have a ceiling [over] dam, knowing he’s already had success in MLS. What can you do with the national team now? How can you come in and make an impact?”
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Sullivan was not available for an interview during the camp, but is expected to talk about his experiences after making his debut.
The Americans will also play Greater Phoenix on Tuesday, Oct. 3 in St. Louis, Mexico, and Chile in St. Paul, Minn., on Oct. 6 in Canada.
Sullivan and other young players are not only fighting to earn a recall for their full-age camps in November and March, but also continuing to make their mark ahead of the 2028 Olympics, which are largely limited to players 23 and under. Olympic coach Steve Cherundolo, who attended this big meeting, is expected to hold an U-23 camp later this year.
“They are showing their true talent because they have amazing ability and quality,” Pochettino said. “The energy was amazing. It was really contagious. … You feel young after you talk to them. It’s true, it’s true! … It’s great to feel that. It’s [been] I have felt this way for a long time when working with a group of players. It’s amazing for us, today and for the future.”
Pochettino’s first goal was to get to know the new players; some he had never met.
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“What they like, what they don’t like, how they are, how they live, how their families are.
Then he learned more about their approach to the game and how they fit into the team.
“It’s very important that they know what we expect from them,” Pochettino said.
Pochettino also watched body language.
He asked the players “Are you ready?” he said he asked.
Pochettino demonstrated in his press conference at the Inter&Co Stadium that the player can sound positive but subtly shake his head from side to side.
He called the mingling of young and old players “very organic and natural after a few days.”
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He added: “It’s a group of players that you don’t feel like anybody has [here] first time or one with 100 caps. This is an important thing. Of course young [players] show great respect to great players. They are humble enough to listen, but the older players are very good at treating and respecting the younger children. When respect is mutual, that’s the best way to build a great relationship.”
In his first camp, 19-year-old Orlando City forward Justin Ellis said last week that Gio Reyna, 23, was his favorite player growing up.
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“It makes you feel a little older,” Reyna said this week.
Ellis looked a little embarrassed after being reminded of his comment on Friday. But he later said that Reyna “has been very good to me. … We see the game in a similar way. We both like to play with the ball. I think we can connect very well when we’re on the court. He really takes me under his wing.”