Among the key players on the U.S. men’s national team, few are more significant than PSV Eindhoven defender Sergiño Dest.
AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic is indispensable, considering his role in the U.S. offense. Similarly, AFC Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams is crucial for the team’s defensive strategy. Weston McKennie, due to his current performance, also falls into this category, regardless of his position.
However, Dest serves as the USMNT’s ultimate offensive wildcard, and witnessing him suffer a hamstring injury during PSV’s 2-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar on Saturday was certainly concerning. Pain was evident on his face as he collapsed in the 55th minute, grasping his left leg. He required assistance from two members of PSV’s training staff to leave the field and could only apply minimal weight on his leg.
There remains a possibility that Dest could recover in time for the World Cup. On Instagram, Dest appeared optimistic, stating, “I’m out for a little while to do what I love the most! But one thing for sure this is NOT the end of the season! I’ll do everything in my power to make sure that I’m coming back asap on the right timing! Thanks for the messages won’t let you guys down!”
Nonetheless, hamstring injuries are notoriously challenging to recover from. Setbacks are frequent, and it is not guaranteed that he will regain fitness in time to participate for the USMNT in the World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 11.
If Dest is unable to return, his absence would be significant, considering his knack for delivering unexpected moments. His capacity to outmaneuver opponents adds an element of surprise from a player typically classified as a defender, as does the timing of his runs. He is also capable of cutting inside and striking with his left foot.
It is easy to recall how impactful his incursions into the attacking third can be. He scored a crucial goal against Costa Rica in the home World Cup qualifier, where he surged in from the wing and unleashed a powerful shot that found the net past the Ticos’ renowned goalkeeper, Keylor Navas. In the group stage finale against Iran at the 2022 World Cup, it was Dest’s well-timed run that enabled him to head McKennie’s pass back across the box for Pulisic to score the game’s only goal, allowing the U.S. to advance to the knockout stages.
It is important to note that Dest’s defensive weaknesses are well recognized, which explains why he is not guaranteed a starting position at either right back or right wingback. However, his offensive contributions are essential, whether as a starter or a substitute. If he is unavailable, the U.S. would lose a dynamic element on the field, allowing opposing teams to concentrate more on Pulisic when attempting to neutralize the USMNT attack.
U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino would have several alternatives if Dest cannot participate.
Alex Freeman, currently with LaLiga’s Villarreal, has made significant strides over the past year, transitioning from just entering the starting lineup with Orlando City SC to becoming a regular call-up for the USMNT. Freeman’s ability to advance is somewhat more conventional than Dest’s, but he demonstrated his goal-scoring potential last November, netting twice in a 5-1 friendly victory over Uruguay.
Joe Scally is another candidate who could step in. While he has primarily played as an outside back for Borussia Mönchengladbach in a four-man defense, he has logged considerable minutes as a wingback this season and even scored a rare goal against FC Augsburg on January 11.
McKennie has frequently played in a wingback role for Juventus this season, but given the U.S. team’s requirements in other areas, it seems unlikely he would fill that position at the World Cup.
The most significant beneficiary may be Timothy Weah of Marseille.
Like McKennie, he has served as his team’s versatile player this season, taking on various roles, including as a wingback. With Pochettino often opting for a 3-4-2-1 formation, finding a suitable position for Weah has been challenging, particularly due to the competition at wingback. However, Weah’s speed in advancing is a valuable asset that the U.S. lacks, and given his experience with Marseille and at the World Cup, Dest’s injury could present Weah with an opportunity to excel in that role for the USMNT.
As the March international window approaches, and with Dest certain to be absent, it appears the positional competition will be between Freeman and Weah, with the hope that either can provide some of the offensive threat that Dest previously offered.
