Recent reports say Sullivan has become a more central attacking figure under Ryan Richter, with a goal and three assists across his last four appearances in all competitions. That matters less as a headline and more as a clue. He is not just a promising academy name now; he appears to be asking for the ball, carrying responsibility and trying to decide games.
Against Inter Miami in a 2-2 draw, reports suggest he posted four shots and seven touches in the opposition box. For a creative player of 16, that willingness is the real selling point. The US do not need him to be finished. They need him to start learning the tempo, physicality and pressure of senior international football while there is still time for mistakes.
That does not mean skipping steps. Sullivan has not yet had a senior US call-up, and his night against Miami also ended with a late red card after he appeared to clash with Yannick Bright. That is part of the education too.
Howard’s broader point is sensible because it does not reject club development. It actually leans on it. “Cavan Sullivan needs to play nearly every game between now and 2030... so he can make mistakes,” Howard said. The key is regular minutes first, then better international exposure layered on top.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the obvious middle ground appears to be autumn friendlies and an expanded squad.
Those matches would offer a clean first look without forcing Sullivan into a make-or-break role. The next storyline is simple: if his club form holds, the United States may have to decide sooner rather than later whether this is a talent to protect carefully - or one to trust early.