McKennie entered the World Cup with questions over his best position. His versatility at Juventus had made a deeper role alongside Tyler Adams possible, particularly with the United States short of specialist defensive midfield options.
Pochettino chose a different route. The report says he kept McKennie in a more advanced midfield role, with Malik Tillman operating alongside Adams. That structure gives the United States a stronger base while allowing McKennie to press, carry possession and support attacks from midfield.
The decision has also helped preserve McKennie’s greatest strength: covering ground between both penalty areas without leaving the team disconnected.
McKennie has not recorded a goal or assist in the group stage, but his influence has been broader than those figures. The report highlights his combination with Sergiño Dest in the victory over Australia and his passing contribution against Paraguay. He also played 86 minutes against Türkiye, despite the match carrying little practical significance.
That workload points to trust from Pochettino. McKennie gives the manager intensity in duels, defensive running and enough technical quality to move the ball through crowded areas.
His value extends beyond the tactical plan. The report portrays him as an energetic presence within the squad, combining an informal personality with a growing leadership role. That balance matters for a young United States group facing greater pressure in the next round.
Knockout football will demand more than energy. The United States will need McKennie to make the right decisions when transitions become faster and possession carries greater risk. His ability to connect Adams with the attacking players could determine whether Pochettino’s midfield design holds under pressure.
The next fixture will reveal whether McKennie is merely a trusted starter or the midfielder around whom this United States team is built.