US men’s national team coach Gregg Berhalter announced the last 23-player list for the 2021 Gold Cup on Thursday. Many prominent players in the Nations League will not travel to Kansas City. Despite a great absence, Berhalter insists that the players shown are fully capable of winning the tournament.
Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, two players who played a huge role in the team’s Nations League victory, will not travel to Kansas City. Berhalter credits a need for rest in preparation for the World Cup qualifiers this autumn. Bryan Reynolds and Johnny Cardoso will also miss the Gold Cup.
“The major European players would be given time off [Concacaf] Nations League to prepare for its season, says the coach (via USMNT’s official website). “Some other players who are in critical situations in Europe, we felt it was more important for them to be in the preseason with their team and give them a good chance to have a positive impact with their new coach and with their club, rather than to participate in the Gold Cup.
“I talked about being able to influence a larger player pool, to be able to have really good information about a wider pool based on the congestion in the World Cup qualifiers,” he later added. “We have to work on another group, we will strengthen this pool [so] that when we enter the qualification we know where everyone stands. ”
Announced Roster. Qu Square number set. ✅
Here are the numbers for #USMNT players at 2021 Concacaf @ GoldCup: pic.twitter.com/96uVvrO3Ut
– US Soccer MNT (@USMNT) July 1, 2021
When European players rest, young Major League football players get a chance to shine. James Sands and Gianluca Busio are important additions to the list after fantastic performances in MLS. In particular, sporting Kansas City player Busio has impressed Berhalter with his ability on the ball.
“I have been very impressed with how he played, mostly at No. 6 but also, we see him also able to play an attacking midfield position. So again, it’s about timing, it’s about form and his time has come, says Berhalter from Busio. “He will play in games, you will see him on the pitch.”
USMNT launches its Gold Cup campaign on Sunday, July 11 against an opponent determined during an initial round in Miami the week before.
