Of the 24 players called up, all but one call the MLS home, giving Pochettino a unique opportunity to assess the level of the US’ top tier - and it's safe to say he’s been lef

They could care less about the noise that’s generated across comment sections and online forums that diminish MLS as a pipeline for the national team. The reality, though, is quite simple: January camp is not a collection of the country’s best players.

Mauricio Pochettino had a clear message to players joining up for his USMNT squad camp this month. The former Tottenham head coach is hoping to utilise the meet-up to assess the levels of US-based stars ahead of the CONCACAF Nations League final series in March.

The arrival of Lionel Messi has changed the game in the United States and Pochettino is eager to capitalise on the boost in publicity for soccer.

Two years ago, he was drafted in the MLS SuperDraft. A year later, he was in MLS NEXT Pro, with one MLS start to his name. Now he is a starting striker for a good MLS team and he just lit up the USMNT January camp.