The latest international break proved disappointing for the United States men`s national team, highlighted by losses to Panama and Canada and a meager single goal scored. As the World Cup approaches, concerns intensify for coach Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT, particularly regarding the team`s depth. The question looms: how robust is the support system around the core players?

The presence of players like Folarin Balogun, Sergino Dest, and Antonee Robinson might have altered outcomes. Historically, the USMNT often enters major tournaments with key players injured. The concern is whether players in the wider squad (ranks 12-18) can adequately step up as replacements. This issue is further compounded when talented individuals such as Gio Reyna experience limited playtime with their clubs, further weakening the team`s overall depth.

Despite these setbacks, there were positive moments during this camp. However, the limited opportunities for competitive matches raise valid questions about the team`s potential ceiling. Upcoming friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in June, preceding the Gold Cup, offer chances for preparation. Yet, even then, Pochettino might face roster limitations due to the Club World Cup involving Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Let`s examine which players have seen their stock rise or fall after this international break:

Stock Up: Diego Luna

Amidst Gio Reyna`s limited club minutes, Diego Luna demonstrated his capacity to inject dynamism into the midfield. He displayed a willingness to take risks in central areas. While a match against Panama would have been a valuable test, Luna capitalized on his opportunities against Canada, providing an assist and executing inventive passes that some of his midfield counterparts might not attempt. In the absence of dynamic wing-backs, Luna offered much-needed creativity. While further development is needed and midfield competition is fierce, Luna`s inclusion in the Gold Cup roster seems justified, provided he remains fit.

Stock Down: Weston McKennie

Deployed as a number 10 against Panama and then in a deeper midfield role versus Canada, this international window was challenging for McKennie. His defensive contributions were adequate, but his impact with the ball was insufficient. Opposing teams employed tighter defensive setups against the USMNT midfield than McKennie typically encounters. This reflects a broader issue: when the USMNT isn`t performing at its peak, the team`s overall level suffers. For the USMNT to succeed under pressure, numerous factors must align positively. McKennie`s performances, given his versatile role, often mirror the team`s collective performance. While a quick solution isn`t apparent, the limited midfield options exacerbate this concern.

Stock Up: Chris Richards and Tim Ream in Defense

For the moment, the premier central defensive pairing for the USMNT is clear. While reassuring, the fact that it includes a 37-year-old center-back and another prone to injury is a concern. Ideally, a full-strength USMNT defense would feature Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Sergino Dest ahead of Matt Turner. Joe Scally has performed capably as a substitute but lacks attacking impetus. Ream`s composure and control are noticeably absent when he`s off the field. Richards, though prone to errors, possesses the speed to recover and quickly moves past mistakes during a match. This situation highlights the depth issues facing Pochettino. However, as the World Cup nears, his priority must be fielding his best players, which includes Richards and Ream.

Stock Down: Christian Pulisic

The team`s success is heavily reliant on Christian Pulisic`s performance, and during the Nations League, that level wasn`t sufficient. This international break marked one of Pulisic`s least effective periods in a USMNT jersey. While he`s expected to rebound, as the national team`s star, consistent high-level performances are crucial for victories. Pulisic faces immense pressure, and unless others emerge to become match-winners on his off days, this pressure will persist or intensify as the World Cup approaches.

Stock Up: Patrick Agyemang

When Patrick Agyemang has possession, there`s a sense of forward momentum reminiscent of a prime Jozy Altidore. With three goals in four appearances for the USMNT, Agyemang firmly establishes himself within the crowded forward pool. His goal against Canada wasn`t technically perfect, but consistent shots from promising positions typically lead to goals. With Ricardo Pepi already offering pace from the bench, Agyemang provides a different dimension for the USMNT attack, capable of challenging defenses late in games.