The US Men's National Team (USMNT) faced a disappointing exit from the World Cup, but several players excelled in their performances. This analysis, based on ratings from Guardian Sport, breaks down the standout players and those who fell short during the tournament.
Top Performers: McKennie and Tillman
Weston McKennie, playing as a center/attacking midfielder for Juventus, was a standout player for the USMNT. He started all five matches, accumulating 444 minutes on the pitch and earning an overall grade of A-. McKennie led the team with eight chances created and covered an impressive 57,573 meters over the tournament.
Malik Tillman also shined, scoring two goals and providing one assist in 356 minutes of play. His performances included remarkable free-kick goals against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Belgium, resulting in a grade of A-. Tillman tied for the most possessions won on the team, showcasing his all-around contribution.
Struggles and Mixed Results
On the other hand, Christian Pulisic and Sergiño Dest faced challenges throughout the tournament. Pulisic, who played primarily on the left wing, struggled to maintain consistent offensive pressure, resulting in a lower performance rating. Dest, listed as a right wing/midfielder, also did not meet expectations, earning a grade of C overall.
