Analysis by Herculez Gomez
Former USMNT player Herculez Gomez recently contrasted the development paths of two national team midfielders, suggesting Giovanni Reyna has become less prominent while praising Malik Tillman`s recent displays. Tillman, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, has been in strong form, notably scoring three goals in his last three Gold Cup appearances. Gomez commended this performance and believes that if the 23-year-old maintains this level, he has a strong case to be a starter by the 2026 World Cup.
On the show Futbol Americas, Gomez elaborated on his point. He stated that Giovanni Reyna was previously Malik Tillman`s primary competitor for a spot, but Reyna is currently “on the side of a milk carton” in terms of national team relevance. In contrast, Gomez lauded Tillman`s performances over the last two years, including his standout season in the Eredivisie under Mauricio Pochettino, suggesting this form provides a “legit argument” for him to break into the starting eleven alongside established players like Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie. He emphasized that Tillman is making his presence felt, and the only realistic doubt or potential challenger to Tillman`s claim for a starting spot he sees is Reyna, but currently, Tillman is the one making the stronger case.
On Club vs. International Form
Gomez also addressed Tillman`s prior inconsistent international form before the Gold Cup. He argued that, aside from Christian Pulisic, most USMNT players haven`t consistently performed at a high level for the national team. Therefore, Gomez believes club performance is currently the best indicator of a player`s readiness. He highlighted that Tillman has consistently improved at the club level whenever given the opportunity and has now found his form while seemingly gaining the coach`s trust. Gomez feels it`s difficult to foresee a scenario where Tillman won`t get the chance to earn a spot in the 2026 World Cup starting lineup.
Alexi Lalas Weighs In
Pundit Alexi Lalas also praised Tillman, although he cautioned against calling it a complete “coming out party,” noting that Tillman`s talent was already known. Speaking on his podcast State of the Union, Lalas acknowledged Tillman`s success in front of goal in the Gold Cup but stressed that his impact extends beyond scoring, mentioning his significant defensive contributions and even goals that were disallowed. Lalas stated that Tillman`s performance in the tournament was so impressive that, if he were to update his ranking of USMNT players, Tillman would likely rank higher, possibly above Chris Richards. He agreed with Gomez that Tillman deserves serious consideration for a starting spot, viewing his current form as a sign of him “maturing” and making a strong case (“planting a seed”) for being in the first-choice lineup when the full squad is available, rather than merely competing for a depth position.
The Shifting Landscape
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the comparison between Reyna and Tillman highlights a notable change in the USMNT`s attacking midfield options. Reyna, who was once considered a potential generational creative talent for the U.S., has faced challenges with injuries and securing consistent playing time for both club and country. Conversely, Tillman`s progress at PSV Eindhoven has elevated his status from a player on the fringes to a strong contender for a starting role.
What`s Next?
The USMNT is scheduled to play against Costa Rica in the Gold Cup quarterfinals on June 29, having finished first in Group D.
