Yunus Musah’s club role might be in question but his role with the U.S. men’s national team has never been more solidified.
Musah delivered the go-ahead goal for Mauricio Pochettino’s men on Saturday as the USMNT defeated Panama 2-0 at Q2 Stadium. The AC Milan midfielder earned SBI Man of the Match honors after celebrating his first senior goal for the program.
“It’s always worth trying to build his confidence and to [make him] feel again [that he is] a player that can perform on the pitch,” Pochettino said about Musah postmatch. “It was an important moment for him, to show trust in him, but maybe not to give him too much responsibility in the build-up. It’s only to be in a position that can help the team, and then he arrived there and scored.
“Fantastic for him, fantastic for the team. And now maybe he’ll start to perform and behave in a different way, full of confidence,” he added. “That is the important [factor] in our decision, is trying to help. We are here to help the player to find their best.”
Musah got the starting nod by his new manager and did not disappoint in his 85-minute performance. He completed 88% of his passes, won three duels, drew one foul, and covered ample ground in Pochettino’s 3-4-3 formation.
Musah arrived on the spot to stroke home the USMNT’s opening goal in the 49th minute. After a superb team play down the left wing, Musah raced into the Panama box to one-time Christian Pulisic’s cross into the back of the net.
The New York native watched the final few minutes from the bench as his teammates closed out a first victory since June 23.
Musah edged Christian Pulisic, Aidan Morris, and Matt Turner for Man of the Match honors.
What did you think of Musah’s performance? Do you hope to see him out wide more often?
Share your thoughts below.
It was a nice finish and seemed like a possible turning point for both Musah and the team. Musah’s joy and that of his teammates has to be the best moment of the year for this team. Also, Pulisic has become indispensable for our attack, literally creating almost every dangerous chance, even on days when he’s not quite his best. Poch is going to have to find some alternate ways for us to score to give the attack some balance.
Especially without Reyna, Weah, and Dest there isn’t a lot of attacking options out there.
“Also, Pulisic has become indispensable for our attack,”
No offense but this narrative is amusing.
Since when has Christian NOT been indispensable for our attack?
before roughly 2017
Dennis: +1
I hope this leads to him getting more time on the field with Milan. He was a regular in Spain, but hardly plays now in Milan. Maybe this will give him the confidence he needs.
He had runs like this at Valencia as well. I think if he doesn’t get more minutes going forward he looks for a loan in January. He needs consistent minutes.