Mauricio Pochettino's week of “talking about confidence” is paying off for Musah and USMNT

It is a rarity to see Yunus Musah without a smile on his face. A wide grin is usually a constant feature for the 21-year-old midfielder.

But as he sprinted to the corner flag after scoring his first goal in a U.S. men's national team jersey on Saturday night in Austin, Texas, the feeling of satisfaction on Musah's face was clear – even for someone who would normally be a Has a smile on his face.

“This moment,” said Christian Pulisic, his AC Milan teammate who provided the assist, “that’s why you play.”

The aim was also an immediate vindication of the instincts of new US manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Musah's joy was palpable after his success in his new role (Tim Warner/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

The 52-year-old Argentine came to his first camp as U.S. coach with the intention of spending time with each player on the roster and understanding where they stand. The idea was to make sure every player was treated properly. That's why Weston McKennie remained on the bench Saturday night; He arrived at camp with some discomfort after playing in each of Juventus' last six games and Pochettino felt it was crucial not to take any risks with the midfielder. This was also the reason why Musah was tested in a new role in his first game under the new boss.

Musah arrived with the US having played just 45 minutes in Serie A for AC Milan in September and zero minutes so far in October. Pochettino is usually a central midfielder, occupying the box-to-box No.8 role. He met with Musah and suggested he play further to the right. Pochettino knew Musah had played this role before, both in the Arsenal academy and in his first move to Valencia. Pochettino felt that in a wider role, Musah would have more freedom to advance the ball, one of his strengths, without the pressure of being a central part of the build-up, at a time when he was not playing regularly and it therefore was not at his best.

It worked perfectly at the start of the second half as the Americans strengthened on the left with Antonee Robinson, Pulisic and Brenden Aaronson and Musah crashed into the penalty area from the right to fend off a Pulisic cross.

“It's always worth trying to boost his confidence and make him feel like he's a player who can perform on the pitch again,” Pochettino said. “It was an important moment for him to show trust in him, but maybe not give him too much responsibility in the build-up.” Just being in a position that can help the team, and then he got there and has a Goal scored.

“Fantastic for him, fantastic for the team. And now he may start to show his performance and behavior differently with confidence. That is the important factor in our decision, namely to help. We are here to help the players be their best.”

Pochettino and Pulisic speak during the victory over Panama (Photo: John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)

If the first evening under Pochettino had one theme, it was precisely this: creating and building self-confidence. Confidence for every player, but also for a team that was winless in its last four games. Exit from the Copa America was an overwhelming experience for a group that knew how expectations were growing and knew how valuable a multi-level tournament run would have been, for the group, the fan base and the sport.

Pochettino's hiring should restore some confidence and belief in the program.

US center back Tim Ream said Pochettino had “talked about confidence all week” and that this was reinforced by what he asked of the team against Panama and carried over into the group. Mostly, players were told to be themselves, play to their strengths and, as Musah put it, “play freely.”

“He wants us to be solid defensively and for the boys to play the way they feel comfortable and move forward confidently with the ball,” said Ream. “And everyone saw that, especially in the first 15 minutes. The boys were on the move, there were intricate passes and ball wins, they moved quickly and got in and around the penalty area. When he tells the guys to be themselves, it’s a sign that he has faith in you, and it shows with all the guys out here.”

Things didn't go perfectly against Panama. Los Canaleros had good chances in the game. Goalkeeper Matt Turner was forced into a big double save in the second half and Panama should have equalized late in the game. As USMNT veteran DaMarcus Beasley said on the Turner Sports broadcast, there were also some mistakes in the build-up that would punish top teams.

But the USA won.

The result was necessary, even if it was just a friendly match.

“I looked back at our recent form and thought, 'Wow, it's been a while since I won,'” Turner said. “Since the game against Bolivia (in the Copa America), right, since we won a game and kept a clean sheet? So, yeah, it's nice to start this era with a win and a clean sheet. It comes in waves, but winning is something you learn. You can't just take it for granted. It takes energy and concentration for 90 minutes, especially at this level.”

Pochettino will know that this win was important in building trust and confidence that the ideas he is implementing in the team will lead to success. Musah's goal reinforced this. Now it's time to push it further.

“It’s the first step,” said Pochettino. “To grow and become better.”

(Top photo: John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)