Pochettino Weighs 4 Balogun Replacements for Belgium Clash as 19-goal Pepi Faces Tactical Doubts
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 5
Pochettino Weighs 4 Balogun Replacements for Belgium Clash as 19-goal Pepi Faces Tactical Doubts
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 5
Summary
Balogun’s one-game suspension has left the U.S. without its main scorer for Monday’s World Cup tie with Belgium, pushing Mauricio Pochettino toward a matchup-specific replacement rather than a like-for-like swap.
Belgium’s profile shapes that choice: Rudi Garcia’s side has averaged 57% possession, won all four possession battles and still looked vulnerable on the flanks, with passive center-backs and limited high pressing.
Ricardo Pepi, who scored 19 goals for PSV last season, is the most discussed option, but his hold-up style could slow attacks and suit a less athletic Belgian back line.
Haji Wright emerges as a strong alternative after just 1 World Cup minute, offering direct channel runs, left-side rotations with Christian Pulisic and movement that could better exploit space behind Belgium.
Gio Reyna as a false nine, Tim Weah or Brenden Aaronson remain wildcard options as the U.S. tries to unsettle a Belgium team that topped Group G only on goal difference.