WHAT HAPPENED
Tim Howard shared his thoughts on Patrick Agyemang`s emergence as a potential solution to the U.S. Men`s National Team`s long-standing search for a consistent striker. The Charlotte FC forward has impressed during the Gold Cup, scoring two goals in four appearances. Howard praised the 24-year-old`s character and encouraged him to continue his efforts.
“Agyemang – as you said – maybe not for the very long term, but right now he`s getting his chance and making the most of it,” Howard stated on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast with Landon Donovan. “He`s gritty, makes things difficult for defenders, is comfortable on the ball, and makes intelligent runs. If we`re saying Agyemang isn`t the definitive long-term striker, then my question back to everyone is – who is?
“I know there are many names we think could be world-class players – where are they? They are either injured or not playing. So Agyemang just needs to keep focused, keep scoring, keep being the central figure in the attack, and I believe he will continue to get the job done.”
WHAT TIM HOWARD SAID
The former Everton goalkeeper also suggested that the 24-year-old American has fundamentally altered the competition for the position, requiring other players to re-stake their claim for the No. 9 spot.
“And as I mentioned, he`ll be a strong contender [for the 2026 World Cup], and the fact is, these players are making their case right now,” Howard explained. “So, those who aren`t here, what do you think they need to do? They need to come in and make their case, so they are already at a disadvantage.”
He added, “For everyone who wants to talk about strikers – and you know this because you`re a goalscorer, Landon – Agyemang has been performing effectively – five goals in 10 games – he`s going to play the next two games. After the Gold Cup is over, are there 13 games before the World Cup? Let`s say 10. Agyemang has made a significant claim for himself. Will he play every game? No. But he has earned the right to play in five of those games.”
Howard also believes that any other forward hoping to compete for the No. 9 role will have fewer opportunities to do so because Agyemang has earned more chances to prove his worth.
“So now what we are saying is, the next striker who could potentially start will only get five opportunities. He [Agyemang] has earned the right to take some of those opportunities away and claim them for himself. So, it`s not like he had a great summer and now for the next 10 friendly matches, they will start someone else. No, that`s not how football works; he has compelled the manager to say, `You have to play at least half the games.` So yes, time is running out for some of these players.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The USMNT`s struggle to find a consistent center forward has persisted through multiple World Cup cycles, with various players showing potential but none definitively claiming the position. Agyemang`s breakthrough performance at the Gold Cup is timely for the national team`s development under Mauricio Pochettino, potentially addressing a long-standing tactical weakness.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Patrick Agyemang and the USMNT are scheduled to face Guatemala in the Gold Cup semifinals on Wednesday in St. Louis.
