Pepi and Zendejas Knocking on Pochettino's Door: USMNT XI vs Turkey

Mauricio Pochettino is still in the early stages of shaping his USMNT identity, and Saturday's friendly against Türkiye offers a perfect laboratory. With a mix of established stars and hungry youngsters, the Argentine tactician must decide which front four can unlock a disciplined Turkish defense. The buzz around two names — Ricardo Pepi and Alejandro Zendejas — has reached a crescendo.

Pepi, the FC Utrecht striker, has been in blistering club form, consistently finding the net in the Eredivisie. His hold-up play and movement off the ball complement his finishing, giving Pochettino a different option compared to Folarin Balogun or Josh Sargent. Meanwhile, Zendejas has been a livewire for Club América, providing width, dribbling, and directness from the flanks. Both are hungry for a breakthrough in the national team setup.

The competition is fierce. Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, and Gio Reyna are established stars, but Pochettino has shown he rewards form over reputation. Starting Pepi and Zendejas would send a message: no spot is guaranteed. It also tests whether the USMNT can thrive with a more direct, high-pressing approach — a hallmark of Pochettino's philosophy at Tottenham and PSG.

If Pepi leads the line and Zendejas operates from the left wing, it could free up Pulisic to play centrally or on the right, creating fluidity. Against a Türkiye side known for their physical midfield and quick transitions, this XI would need to press aggressively and recycle possession quickly. It's a high-risk, high-reward selection that could define Pochettino's early tenure.

Ultimately, this friendly is about building depth for the 2026 World Cup cycle. A strong performance from Pepi and Zendejas could propel them into the core, while a flat display might push Pochettino back to his safer options. Either way, it's a glimpse into the future of American soccer — and that's exactly why we watch.