Pellegrino Matarazzo has become the first American to both manage in La Liga and win a major Spanish trophy, steering Real Sociedad to Copa del Rey glory; his rise coincides with Folarin Balogun’s relentless scoring and Weston McKennie’s renaissance at Juventus, while Christian Pulisic’s goal drought deepens — a mix of form that will shape Mauricio Pochettino’s final USMNT squad decisions this summer.
Matarazzo makes history with Real Sociedad Copa del Rey triumph
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s arrival in Spain has gone from curiosity to catalytic. The New Jersey–born coach, who took the Real Sociedad job in December, delivered immediate silverware by beating Atlético Madrid on penalties to lift the Copa del Rey — a landmark achievement that makes him the first American coach to win a major trophy in Spain’s top flight. His Sociedad side have shown consistency in La Liga, winning seven of 14 matches with only three defeats, indicators of a team trending upward rather than one riding a lucky streak.
Why this matters beyond the Basque Country
Matarazzo’s success reshapes the narrative around American coaches abroad. It’s not just novelty — his tactical pragmatism and man-management have translated into results against elite opposition. For the USMNT, his rise creates an interesting subtext: U.S. Soccer’s recent hiring of a high-profile manager addressed different needs, but Matarazzo’s impact ensures he remains a credible future candidate and a benchmark for domestic coaching ambitions.
Club form of key USMNT figures — who’s rising, who’s slipping
Christian Pulisic: the drought continues
Christian Pulisic remains a concern for club and country. The Milan attacker has yet to register a goal or assist in Serie A this season. He started up front against Hellas Verona but produced little — no shots on target and no chances created — in a match where Milan scraped a win. That lack of end product raises questions about his best role and whether Pulisic can find form in time to offer Pochettino reliable attacking options.
Weston McKennie: Juventus’ consistent engine
Weston McKennie is riding an opposing trajectory. The Texan’s tireless display against Bologna included a quality assist for Khephren Thuram-Ulien and underscored his value as a box-to-box connector for a Champions League-chasing Juventus. McKennie’s versatility and work rate make him a near-essential selection: he covers defensive ground, contributes in transition and supplies late-box threats — the kind of dependable presence Pochettino can build around.
Folarin Balogun: Monaco’s hot streak bolsters striker depth
Folarin Balogun is in electric form for Monaco. A penalty in a comeback draw with Auxerre extended his run to eight goals in eight Ligue 1 appearances and 10 in 10 across all competitions.
That kind of clinical consistency converts into selection headaches in a good way: Balogun’s confidence and finishing give the USMNT manager multiple attacking permutations, especially with other forwards showing positive signs.
Other contributors: Dike, Aaronson, Tillman, Wright, Pepi
Daryl Dike finally opened his season’s scoring account for West Bromwich Albion at Preston North End, a timely morale boost as the Championship push continues. Brenden Aaronson remains influential for Leeds United, supplying an assist in their recent 3-0 win and preparing for key Premier League and FA Cup tests.
Malik Tillman has a high-profile cup date as Bayer Leverkusen take on Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal semi-final — a match that can sharpen his big-game credentials. Haji Wright’s role in Coventry’s promotion celebrations and Ricardo Pepi’s recent return to form at PSV round out a healthier pool of attacking options for the national team.
What this mix of form means for the USMNT
The juxtaposition of Matarazzo’s managerial breakthrough and the club form of US internationals matters on two levels.
First, it signals a maturing ecosystem: American coaching and playing stock are rising simultaneously in Europe.
Second, it tightens selection debates for an already competitive roster. Pulisic’s struggles open the door for in-form attackers like Balogun and Pepi, while McKennie’s resurgence strengthens midfield reliability.
For Mauricio Pochettino, the luxury — and headache — will be balancing form, fit and tactical needs when finalizing his summer squad.
Looking ahead
Momentum will be decisive. Players in form can force positional shifts and strategic tweaks; established stars out of rhythm will need roles adjusted or short-term rehabilitation plans.
Carlo Ancelotti snubs Arsenal in naming his favourite to win the Champions League
Matarazzo’s immediate impact in La Liga offers a timely reminder that coaching innovations and player development are converging — and whoever is making the final calls for the USMNT must account for both when building a team for major tournaments.
Theathleticuk
