In recent years, a growing community of sportswriters, fans, and professional athletes has adopted specific phrases to effectively capture certain intangible qualities. One such term that has gained traction is “owning the dog,” which conveys unyielding tenacity and grit. Those who embody this trait are often the unsung heroes of their teams, particularly in soccer, where their hard work translates into crucial goals and assists.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming FIFA World Cup this June, millions of Americans will ponder the same question: Which athlete truly possesses that “dog” mentality?
Analytics Spotlight Top USMNT Talent
Inspired by the internet’s playful use of “xDAWG,” a clever nod to the expected goals (xG) metric, ESPN has developed an analytical model aimed at identifying potential game-changers for the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT). This formula, crafted by analytics expert Bill Connelly, evaluates various metrics in a prioritized list, including xG, Expected Value Added for a Specific Possession (xPVA), defensive interventions, shot blocks, and a range of other critical performance indicators.
The model incorporates data from the last two years of player performances for both club and country, focusing on standout individuals across defense, midfield, and attack. A similar analytical approach will be applied as the World Cup approaches, especially noteworthy since the U.S. did not qualify in 2018. Historical comparisons over the past decade will also enhance the analysis.
It is important to emphasize that this selection aims to highlight players based on unique performance metrics rather than simply ranking America’s best athletes.
Spotlight on US Defenders
Among those recognized as the top talents in the xDAWG model is Sergiño Dest, a full-back whose dynamic play has made a significant impact in Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. Despite injury setbacks limiting him to just four appearances for the national team in two years, Dest has demonstrated remarkable resilience and consistency in his tackling and recovery statistics. Impressively, he has managed to avoid common weaknesses associated with players in the xDAWG framework.
Once healthy, Dest is expected to be a key player during the World Cup, consistently contributing to both foul recovery and possession regaining. Other American defenders have also garnered attention, including Anthony Robinson, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, and Myles Robinson, all of whom excelled in their respective defensive roles.
When comparing Dest to historical USMNT defenders, like Jeff Cameron and Matt Besler from the previous decade, it’s clear that while Dest’s current season is marked by impressive offensive metrics, both Cameron and Besler were known for their defensive tenacity, making them standout figures in their own right.
Midfield Mastery
US manager Mauricio Pochettino describes Cristian Roldan as the quintessential player, highlighting the importance of self-confidence and competitive spirit in forming a well-rounded athlete. Among MLS midfielders, Roldan ranks highly in defensive metrics, including intervention rates and ball recoveries. Since joining the USMNT, he has also excelled in interceptions, solidifying his role as a vital component of the team’s midfield strategy.
Other notable midfielders according to the xDAWG model include Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, and Yunus Moussa, each distinguished by their contributions in recovering and transitioning the ball. Although Cardoso’s World Cup inclusion is uncertain due to injury, Roldan is poised to step in and fulfill critical midfield responsibilities.
Emerging Attackers
In an unexpected turn, Malik Tillman—a once overlooked veteran—has experienced a career resurgence. Despite challenges securing a spot in the Bundesliga, he’s shown aggressive play in his appearances, ranking among the top non-defenders in aerial duels, tackles, and offensive interventions. Additionally, Tillman has been instrumental in leading the USMNT in statistics related to fouls, attempts, and interceptions during the 2025 Gold Cup.
High rankings in the xDAWG model for attackers also shine a light on talent like Brenden Aaronson and Timothy Weah, who have made their mark through their defensive contributions alongside offensive capabilities. Historical comparisons reveal that players like Alejandro Bedoya have left a lasting legacy as committed performers with extensive contributions in fouls and interceptions.
The question looms: Will players like Dest, Roldan, or Tillman embody that winning mentality this summer? Their performances could potentially rewrite history during the World Cup.
