Pulisic Out vs Australia: Who Steps Up for Poch's USMNT?

The USMNT faces a familiar challenge ahead of their upcoming friendly against Australia: how to replace the irreplaceable Christian Pulisic. The AC Milan winger is expected to miss the fixture, leaving manager Mauricio Pochettino with a significant tactical headache. While no official confirmation has been given, the absence of the USMNT's talisman forces a reshuffle that could define the team's approach for this critical warm-up match.

The context

Christian Pulisic has been the heartbeat of the USMNT attack for years, his dribbling, creativity, and goalscoring instinct setting him apart. Without him, Pochettino loses his most reliable outlet on the left flank and a player who draws defensive attention. This friendly against Australia, part of a preparation window for upcoming competitive fixtures, was always going to test depth. Now it becomes a live audition for alternatives.

The timing is tricky. Pochettino, still in his early tenure, is building his system and assessing personnel. A Pulisic-less lineup forces him to try Plan B in a real match setting, which could either reveal a new go-to option or expose a lack of depth.

The candidates

Several names immediately come to mind. Gio Reyna, versatile and technically gifted, can operate as a winger or attacking midfielder. The Nottingham Forest loanee has struggled for consistent minutes but remains one of the most talented options. Brenden Aaronson, another energetic attacker, offers relentless pressing and direct runs but less end product. Then there's the possibility of a system change—switching to a diamond midfield or promoting a youngster like Kevin Paredes.

Each choice carries risk. Reyna lacks match sharpness, Aaronson's final ball can be erratic, and a formation change could unsettle the group. Pochettino must weigh short-term cohesion against long-term experimentation.

What it means

This friendly is more than a tune-up; it's a chance for Pochettino to show he can win without his star. Australia are a tough, physical side, and the USMNT will need intensity from minute one. The replacement's performance could influence Pochettino's plans for competitive matches later in the year. If Reyna seizes the moment, he might cement a starting role. If Aaronso or another steps up, the depth chart gains clarity. For the fans, this is a glimpse of the post-Pulisic contingency—and a test of whether this squad has genuine firepower beyond its captain.