GLENDALE, Ariz. – Darlington Nagbe and Christian Pulisic have made their Copa America debuts for the US national team off the bench, with many supporters clamoring to see more of them, right now. But that might not be a sign that they will play on Saturday.
With third place in the tournament on the line in the Copa America Centenario Saturday against Colombia (8 pm ET, FX, Univision, UDN), coach Jurgen Klinsmann would not tip his hand about whether the pair will start, only saying he plans to start his strongest available lineup in the game.
“For both it’s about a learning curve,” Klinsmann said Friday before the USMNT’s last practice leading up to the match. “I think they can see… that this is another level that we’re talking here. So when you bring players on from the beginning you need to make sure that they have the confidence to deal with that situation. And I think right now for both players, here and there coming off the bench and getting their experience in and [starting] their growing process is the right thing to do.”
Of more pressing concern for Klinsmann might be whom to play on the backline, with Fabian Johnson and breakout star John Brooks dealing with injuries that leave them questionable for the game. Edgar Castillo has yet to play in Copa America, and Steve Birnbaum has been used sparingly.
Meanwhile, Jermaine Jones, Bobby Wood and Alejandro Bedoya are all eligible to return from suspension, which may push Nagbe and Pulisic back to reserve status.
“You don’t want to burn a Christian Pulisic right now against these top teams from the beginning on. They’re very physical and they’re very intimidating,” Klinsmann said. “We don’t want to overshoot them right now.”
Nagbe said he has enjoyed his Copa America experience despite limited playing time.
“As a professional you always want to play,” he said. “But at the same time we played well and made a good run to the semifinals so it’s been great playing with the guys, and I’m doing the best I can to be a good teammate.”
