Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ... Which fringe USMNT players deserve to be in the World Cup squad? | USMNT Weekly
Feb 11, 2026
Conversation spotlights standout Americans from recent matches and which peripheral players merit World Cup consideration. They debate left-back alternatives, versatile defensive roles, and creative half-space attackers. A lively discussion covers striker depth and tactical fits for Antonee Robinson.
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Money-Producing Dog Opener
- Ryan Bailey described finding a $20 bill in his dog's mouth right before recording, joking about a 'money-producing dog'.
- The hosts used the anecdote as light banter to open the episode.
Paredes Is A Hybrid Left Option
- Kevin Paredes blends fullback and winger traits and often plays as a left-sided midfielder who tracks back defensively.
- His work rate and defensive reliability make him a valuable depth option even if his 1v1 attacking threat is still developing.
Freeman's Versatility Raised His Floor
- Alex Freeman's Villarreal debut showed positional flexibility from right back to right-sided center roles and calm ball progression in limited minutes.
- His size and ability to play multiple defensive and attacking interpretations raise his floor as a reliable international option.