Pochettino: Young stars like Sullivan do not come around often
Mauricio Pochettino says the United States must protect and nurture Cavan Sullivan’s rare talent after the 17-year-old became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history.
Friendlies · United States
The USA beat rivals Mexico 3-0 in Arizona on Saturday to claim their third victory in as many games during this extended international break. Their young players again made their mark: 18-year-old Julian Hall scored for the third time in his first three senior caps, while Sullivan made history in the second half.
After intercepting an errant pass from Raul Rangel, Sullivan lobbed the Mexico goalkeeper from distance. At 17 years and five days old, the Philadelphia Union player became the youngest goalscorer in USMNT history.
He surpassed Borussia Dortmund’s Mathis Albert, who had taken the record from Christian Pulisic just four days earlier by scoring against Chile at 17 years and 131 days.
“He’s a fighter. He’s a warrior. It’s difficult to find this type of player, no?”
For Pochettino, the excitement comes with a responsibility to help this generation develop.
“It’s amazing to have these talented players that appear now, and it’s important for us – it is a big, big moment,” he said.
“It’s a big moment because we need to get it right with them. We need to protect them. We need to support them.
“Our responsibility now is that this group of talented players grow in the right direction. Today, they were so exciting.
“We need to continue with that idea, to keep that feeling – every time that they can be part of this national team, it’s the most important thing.”
Asked specifically about Sullivan, Pochettino praised more than his attacking ability: “He’s a talented player with enormous quality, but with a very good balance, in possession and out of possession.”
A dream moment for Sullivan
Sullivan told TNT Sports that his record-breaking goal was a moment he had imagined since childhood.
“These are moments you dream of since you’re three, four, five or six years old. I manifested this moment.
“I probably shouldn’t have pressed the goalie; it felt like there was not really anybody pressing behind me. But that’s why you go and that’s why you put the work in, and I was rewarded for doing so.
“From there, it was sort of a blackout. I just remember chipping the ball, hoping it didn’t hit the crossbar or go over. I was getting nervous when it was in the air!”
His international breakthrough follows a tremendous MLS campaign with the Union, in which he set single-season records for assists and total goal involvements by a teenager.
- Goals
- 7
- Assists
- 12
- Goal involvements
- 19
The USA finish their schedule for the month against Canada in Minnesota on Tuesday, with Pochettino determined to give his young players further opportunities to impress.
