The Charlotte FC center back claimed that Mauricio Pochettino's side don't think about roster composition amid debates about league strength
Tim Ream insisted USMNT doesn't question roster configurationMLS-heavy squad sparked debate on domestic vs. European soccerPochettino repeatedly backed MLS as a "top league"Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowGetty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
USMNT center back Tim Ream insisted that U.S. players don't question the composition of the roster after Mauricio Pochettino named an MLS-heavy unit for friendlies against Japan and South Korea.
"I think it's just competition in general. Again, it's one of those things where we don't really look at the roster and say, 'oh, there's this many guys in from this league, or there's this many guys in from Europe.' To us, it's competition… You have to go out there and earn your place, and earn your spot," the veteran defender told reporters Tuesday.
Twelve of the 23 players named in the side play in America's top flight, which has led to a reemergence of debates regarding the relative strength of the league. Ream mentioned the debate might be happening externally, but its not a conversation within the locker room.
"It's talked about a lot, but it's not discussed in any way amongst ourselves," he said.
Pochettino has claimed that MLS is a pool worth tapping into, while detractors have pushed for a European-heavy squad with the World Cup fast approaching.
"We need to give MLS the value, because I think competing there, I think the player can show that they can perform in the national team," Pochettino said. “It's not necessary to move from MLS to Europe, because sometimes MLS, under my assessment, maybe is more competitive than some leagues in Europe.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
While several pundits and former players have questioned Pochettino's decision to call up new players with limited international windows remaining until the 2026 World Cup, Ream backed the manager's decision.
"[Pochettino] is giving guys opportunities to impress, making sure that he can get eyes on everybody who they've been watching from, maybe from afar," Ream said. "And you know that that sends a little bit of a message that places are open. And I think that's only a good thing."
Pochettino's most recent roster features a handful of surprise inclusions from MLS. Columbus' Sean Zawadzki, Vancouver's Tristan Blackmon, and Cincinnati's Roman Celentano were all named to the side despite having a combined one cap between the trio. It is also worth noting two European-based players in Noahkai Banks and Jonathan Klinsmann, are also aiming to get their first cap in this September camp.
"Competition can drive you and push you, it prepares you and hardens you for the coming months," he said.
WHAT REAM SAID
Ream also touched on the rising expectations for the U.S. to build some momentum ahead of next year's World Cup.
"We're trying to, trying to move things forward, and make sure that we're in a good position moving forward into the next year and into the World Cup," he said. "And that's down to, obviously, the coaching staff communicating, as they always do, and us as players, you know, translating that message as peers, to make sure that everybody's pulling in the right direction."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
Pochettino and Co. have a duo of friendlies ahead as they face South Korea on Sept. 6 and Japan on Sept. 9.