Brad Friedel rates Weston McKennie’s talent over Christian Pulisic (Image: 2026 Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photo/USSF)
Former United States men’s national team goalkeeper Brad Friedel believes Weston McKennie is the most talented player Mauricio Pochettino has at his disposal, even though Christian Pulisic is often considered the standout star.
Pulisic is hailed as “Captain America” by fans, but his most recent goal with the USMNT came in 2024, a quiet performance during his international break. The USMNT suffered a 5-2 loss to Belgium, followed by a 2-0 loss to Portugal.
The friendly was meant to serve as important preparation for facing top-flight nations at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the holiday ended with more questions than answers. McKennie is one of the USMNT’s few bright sparks, and Friedel believes he represents the USMNT’s greatest talent.
The USMNT was without several key players during the international break, including Myles Robinson, Chris Richards, and Tyler Adams. Richards returned to the team for the game against Portugal, but Adams was clearly absent from the midfield.
Friedel argues that the loss was disproportionate and that the USMNT should be judged solely on its performance on the competitive stage this summer. However, he acknowledged that Adams acts as the glue that holds the team together and that his presence benefits McKennie, giving Pulisic greater freedom.
Friedel highlighted McKechnie and Tyler Adams. (Image: 2025 USSF)
USMNT coach Pochettino is grappling with considerable selection uncertainty ahead of the World Cup, with goal, defense, central midfield and forward positions still largely unknown. Friedel insists that regardless of other options, the team’s World Cup chances rest squarely on the shoulders of McKennie and Adams.
Speaking to Express Sport via Oddspedia, which has information about bet365 bonus codes available in the UK, Friedel said: “In America, we’ve always had to have top players. We’ve never had the luxury of having 30 players who can all start except once.”
“The 2002 World Cup was the only time any player could have started, and the level didn’t drop.” Friedel also praised the current team, saying, “Tyler (Adams), he’s the glue of the team off the pitch. It doesn’t matter if he’s 7 feet tall, he’ll let you know right away if he’s not doing his job. He’s one of those players.”
Coach Friedel also evaluated the current team, saying, “Tyler (Adams), he’s the glue of the team off the field. It doesn’t matter if he’s 7 feet tall, if he’s not doing his job, he’ll let you know right away. He’s one of those types of players.”
“My most talented player, and I coached a lot of players when I was head coach of the U-19 national team, our most talented footballer is Weston McKennie. He’s very versatile and needs to be fully fit and involved. He’s had some great performances for Juventus this season and he’s looking really good for this World Cup.”
“If he’s with Tyler, those two guys, no matter what position Weston is in, Tyler can really help contain him. When Tyler’s on the field, you’ve got the best Weston McKennie. When those two are active, it’s going to create space for Christian to perform.”
Pochettino faces a significant task in preparing the USMNT for the World Cup, and while he admits his team is not at its peak, he insists their goals are not far off. Given the AFC Bournemouth midfielder’s well-documented struggles with injuries, a fully healthy Adams would greatly ease that burden.
