USMNT stock watch: Aidan Morris continues to impress but USA soccer's ceiling must be lowered

The September international window has come to a close for the United States men's national team and outside of the announcement that Mauricio Pochettino will be the new manager of the USMNT, it has been one to forget. Without USMNT stalwarts like Tim Weah, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, and Sergino Dest, the team struggled losing to Canada and drawing against New Zealand. It was always going to be a tough window for interim manager Mikey Varas since it was clear that he wouldn't be getting the permanent job but no one could've expected it to be this bad.

Now, it's time for Pochettino to begin the lengthy process that will be getting this team ready for the 2026 World Cup. The short term will be slightly more clear with matches against Panama and Mexico coming in October where the Argentine will get to see what he has available but let's see who helped or hurt their case during this September international window.

Stock up: Aidan Morris

Aidan Morris is rapidly showing what he can do in midfield. He has grown tremendously since moving to Middlesbrough under Michael Carrick and during a disjointed international window, he still shined. Coached by Varas at the U-20 level, Morris did have the additional help of knowing what his coach wanted but that's only half the battle. Rarely putting a foot wrong, Morris was able to grab an assist and create chances for his teaMMAtes while also being involved defensively. He may not be someone who can play as a lone six for the USMNT against top opposition but he has shown that he should be more involved moving forward.

Stock down: Haji Wright 

Looking at players who could improve their standing with the national team this international window, one of the top names was Haji Wright. Starring for Coventry City, the USMNT winger has been able to be dynamic from the bench but he hasn't shown that he should be a starter yet. Handed a chance against New Zealand, Wright wasn't involved enough having the fewest touches of any USMNT starter. The other members of the attacking band, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, had their moments but Wright wasn't able to join them. While he still has a place with the national team, it feels like an opportunity missed for Wright to show why he should be in the XI.

Stock up: Patrick Schulte

Getting a reward for his strong performances at the Olympics and with the Columbus Crew, Patrick Schulte started the USMNT's opening match against Canada. While Matt Turner would come back in to start against New Zealand, Schulte performed well enough to state his case for being the guy between the sticks moving forward. Turner isn't playing regularly and while he was fine against New Zealand, Schulte kept the USMNT in the match against the Canucks by making saves that he wasn't expected to make.  He seemed confident in net which will go a long way moving forward.

Stock down: The USMNT's ceiling 

Entering an international window without numerous regulars in the starting XI, the September international window was a major opportunity for the player pool. With the USMNT needing players to step up and show that they can hit top gear without people like Weah and Robinson present, it just didn't happen. The future of the USMNT will be dependent on quite a few members of the squad during this window and if there isn't rapid improvement, it won't be as high as once thought. With more Games on the club and international level, rotation and being able to win without top members of the squad present will be critical and this could become one of Pochettino's top focuses over the next few years. The first XI for the USMNT is solid but plenty of questions remain for slots 12-27 on a roster.

Stock up: Marlon Fossey

It can be tough to judge defenders against opposition like New Zealand but the Standard Leige right back did what he could to stand out in his debut. Marlon Fossey got forward early and often created chances with unorthodox right winger Pepi ahead of him. Without Dest, the attacking threat has been gone from the USMNT's right flank and Fossey brought shades of that. Being able to repeat this performance during the October international window could see Fossey push for a starting role.