Why has Johnny Cardoso failed to establish himself as USMNT fixture during Gold Cup?

So, with many of the USMNT’s big stars either playing in the new look FIFA Club World Cup, injured or fatigued, Cardoso was widely expected to be a star man as the United States chased a trophy they should be looking to win.

It hasn’t worked out that way, however, as he’s only played 11 minutes so far. But why? He has the ability and the pedigree to be a real difference maker, but several factors have gone against him.

First of all, he’s played a lot of soccer this season: 3,387 minutes across 46 games for his club before joining up with the USMNT. That takes a toll on the body, and with little chance of a rest, Pochettino could well be limiting his minutes in the group stage before unleashing him on the knockouts.

Cardoso did, of course, have the chance to establish himself as a star just before the tournament kicked off, but he wasn’t at his best, particularly in the 2-1 defeat to Turkiye.

Jack McGlynn gave Pochettino’s side the lead in the first minute. All the U.S. needed to do after that was hold tight, remain organized and sweep up opposition attacks. Unfortunately for Cardoso, he didn’t get the memo.

The midfielder started to aimlessly wander around the box after receiving the ball from goalkeeper Matt Freese before kicking it directly into Real Madrid wonderkid Arda Guler, bouncing off his knee and into the back of the net for the easiest goal he’s ever scored.

Pochettino hooked him off at half time but decided to give him a second chance in the game against Switzerland. Although Cardoso didn’t make any errors as dramatic as the one against Turkiye, he simply couldn’t keep up with the likes of Granit Xhaka and Ardon Jashari.

And finally, Pochettino’s other options in the center of the pitch are keeping Cardoso out of the side by playing well. The Argentine demands a lot from his midfielders; not only do they have to be technically astute, but they also need to be able to run…a lot.

Luca de la Torre and Sebastian Berhalter got the nod in the 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago and were solid if unremarkable. The two partnered again for the game against Saudi Arabia, with Berhalter providing the assist for Chris Richards’ winner and only goal of the game.

The USMNT was already through to the knockouts after those two games, and Cardoso was snubbed for Tyler Adams in the final group stage match against Haiti, who played beside De la Torre. Adams took that chance, ending the game with a 98 percent pass accuracy rate, two chances created and six accurate long balls.

Cardoso came on for the last nine minutes and had some energy, but it wasn’t enough time to make an impression. It’s a tricky time for him.