'Ready to be the man' Ricardo Pepi delivers on his promise to give USMNT a hero for Mauricio Pochettino's new era

Ricardo Pepi burst onto the scene with FC Dallas as a teenager and earned a record-breaking move to Europe.

But his career came to a standstill after his $20 million transfer to the German team FC Augsburg as an 18-year-old prospect, which led to a few frustrating years.

Pepi has 12 goals in 32 US capsCredit: Getty

The striker has not started consecutive matches for club or country for eighteen months.

Pepi is behind Folarin Balogun in the race to take the lead for the USMNT.

But a crucial attack on Jamaica could make things difficult for the American head coach Mauricio Pochettino to leave the PSV Eindhoven young person in the future.

“I feel ready to be the guy, to be the starter,” the 21-year-old said Tuesday.

And two days later he scored the winner in a 1-0 CONCACAF League of Nations quarter-final, first leg win in Kingston.

Pepi was found by one Christian Pulisic through ball in the fifth minute and kept his composure to settle a closely fought match.

It was his eighth goal of the season for club and country – and sixth in his last four starts.

Pepi is stuck in a super sub role for PSV, with veteran Luuk de Jong dominating the eleven.

“Obviously people notice the things I do when I come in as a sub, and it gets them to say the word,” Pepi told ESPN of his reputation for scoring from the bench.

“But at the same time, when I hear that word, it makes me want to, I don’t know, punch something.”

Pochettino wants to earn some silverware to kick-start his reignCredit: Getty

Balogun dislocated his shoulder as a result of a huge blow to the American teamCredit: AFP

Pepi will hope to make himself indispensableCredit: Getty

“I’m at a point in my career now where I’m ready,” he added.

“I’m ready to start, or get more playing time. I feel like I’ve shown that.”

Pepi was given more opportunities for PSV from the start last month.

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And with Balogun, Josh Sargent and Haji Wright all injured, he now has his chance for his country.

Jamaica will be welcomed to St. Louis on Monday for the second leg as Pochettino looks to book a place in the March semi-finals.

The 2026 World Cup on home soil is the main goal, but glory in the Nations League would be a welcome bonus.

“It’s obviously easy to look ahead,” Pulisic said on Wednesday.

“The main goal right now is to beat Jamaica. That’s really all we’re thinking about.”

“In the end we got the result,” Pepi said after Thursday’s victory.

“And now it’s time to take care of business at home.”