Mauricio Pochettino has been head coach of the USMNT for a few months now. The former Tottenham and PSG manager has shown immense faith in youth through his squad selections, as he continues to work toward Project World Cup 2026, which the U.S. is set to co-host.
As per SPORT, the former Chelsea manager has handed a second call-up to Barcelona academy gem Diego Kochen. The 18-year-old goalkeeper was first called up in September but didn’t make his debut, later missing the October games due to injury.
Kochen has already trained with Hansi Flick’s first team on several occasions this season. Considered one of the most talented shot-stoppers coming through the academy, the American-born star has immense potential, and all signs point to him reaching great heights in the game.
The teenager possesses excellent reflexes in between the posts. He has showcased his agility on a number of occasions, and as expected from a La Masia graduate, he also excels with the ball at his feet and can pick a pass through a crowd.
Kochen is one of four goalkeepers Pochettino has called up to the international squad. As the youngest among them, it’s understandable that the other three players would currently be ahead of him in the pecking order.
Whether he plays or not, or gets his debut, the experience of training with players like Zack Steffen, formerly at Manchester City, and Matt Turner, who has been with Arsenal, will be invaluable for the 18-year-old.
The fact that Pochettino is persisting with him despite his young age shows just how highly the coach rates his potential. Unlike outfield players, goalkeepers take longer to mature, and it’s rare to see 18-year-olds earn national team call-ups.
If Kochen continues on this path, it’s likely only a matter of time before he gets his chance with the Barcelona first team. Marc-Andre ter Stegen is advancing in age, and Inaki Peña is already 25. How the 18-year-old’s progression unfolds in the coming years will be intriguing to follow.
