Plenty of the talk surrounding the U.S. Men’s National Team heading into the September-October window was focused on the inclusion of young players but one veteran has certainly led by example in the opening two matches. Sebastian Berhalter has led the way in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, scoring two goals and two assists in 111 minutes of action. The 25-year-old most recently scored the USMNT’s opening goal in Tuesday’s 4-2 win over Chile before assisting on Chris Richards’ eventual go-ahead goal in the second half.Berhalter has continued to be one of the players that had made the most of his opportunities under Pochettino, earning 20 caps since the start of 2025. Whether it’s playing at the No. 8, No. 6, or No 10 role, Berhalter has averaged one goal contribution in every two appearances. After making a summer move to EFL Championship side Middlesbrough from the Vancouver Whitecaps, Berhalter has continued to raise his game, becoming one of the USMNT’s key offensive threats in the final third. Pochettino had ample praise for the former MLS product after Tuesday’s home victory, not just for his abilities on the field, but for his leadership off of it too. “He can play from the left, can play from the right, can play like a midfielder, box to box, but also holding midfielder, he can play as a No. 10, from different positions and he’s always very happy to do anything for the national team,” said Pochettino about Berhalter. “To have a player like him is priceless.“He’s a player that the energy and the commitment and everything that he does is for the badge, for the national team, for the teammate,” Pochettino added. “Of course it’s for him, but he’s a very good role model for the players that arrived for the first time, or the players that maybe are watching from home.”Berhalter will look to add to his four goals and six assists with the USMNT when the Americans host CONCACAF rivals Mexico on Saturday in Glendale, Arizona.