Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... USMNT v Paraguay: deep-dive review, aka The Return of The Reyna
Nov 16, 2025
The hosts dive into the USA's thrilling 2-1 victory over Paraguay, highlighting Gio Reyna's impactful return and the perplexing tactics of coach Pochettino. They analyze Reyna's advanced role and his crucial goal while dissecting the team's pressing intensity and an end-of-match brawl that showcased physicality. The discussion expands to player performances, including Balogun's quiet confidence and Aronson's consistent energy. Looking ahead, they preview the upcoming clash with Uruguay, expressing optimism for the team's future.
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Poch's Flexible 3-4 Framework
- Poch's USMNT uses a 3-4-1-2/3-4-2 framework that shifts to a 4-4 out of possession for defensive solidity.
- That shape creates freedom for higher attackers like Gio Reyna while midfielders Tessman and Roldan progress possession.
Gio Reyna's High-Impact Role
- Gio Reyna stayed higher and provided creative spark, reducing his deep defensive drops compared to past roles.
- His confidence, arrogance, and off-ball movement uniquely lift the team's attacking needle when he's on form.
Accept Physicality As Identity
- Embrace physicality and team escalation as identity under Pochettino rather than penalizing every scrap.
- Use controlled aggression to signal team unity and buy-in to Poch's managerial culture.