BTW, these types of breakdowns are great. One of your videos that first caught my attention was a detailed analysis of Musah's awareness in the middle of the park. How he receives the ball. How he takes advantage of spaces and his opponent's posture. Etc. This video and your last one recapping the tactics from the 2nd leg versus Jamaica are niche opportunities in the RUclips USMNT community. Others might be expressing similar points, but none are doing it in a way that uses the frame-by-frame, moving back and forth on a certain highlight, style that you are using here. Keep it up. Case in point is the breakdown of Pepi's first and second goals in this video. The work you are doing with the video analysis gives a clear demonstration of his intent and what makes those goals so special.
Pepi is straight on kill mode for that striker position for the US team. This dude has the potential to be one of the world’s best striker’s I believe.
@@swaguelSanti was in the best team in the league at the time by far and couldn't do it outside of his comfort zone unlike Pepi. Its pretty obvious Santi is a mediocre player suited to that league like a Tadic or a Nuno Santos but Pepi has much higher potential and with his height in the right system could be insane.
--> Great analysis, Jake! What I love about your work is that it isn't simply opinion-based chatter about who should or shouldn't start for the US; it's proper analysis of a player's technique and style.
Glad you spotted the unique goals and the complexity each represented. I noticed and wondered those are quite good right? Doesn't matter the opponents rank in table. Glad you highlighted them. Pepi top scorer while playing half the number of available minutes. The clips of Dejong in the stands watching he never looked very pleased his team and specifically Pepi scoring.
I remember the first video on Pepi where you focused on his ability to hit the corner of the net. Awesome to see him taking that even to another level. Great use of his body, savvy, and technique on the goals.
Yo Jake, I watched this shortly after you posted but wasn't able to comment. Great breakdown of the fine points again! I am noticing some youtubers using your analysis. Keep posting them fast man!
A) Thanks again for the breakdown. And B) You're right. That first goal by Pepi was sick. And my first thought was, "That's something Erling Haaland would do." I don't often think that about any of our players. The muscle, pace, and finishing were all special.
Great breakdown. I'd love to see Pepi stay to become the full-time starter at PSV. He can still improve his hold up play. Striker depth looks good with Wright, Balogun, and Pepi.
I haven't seen a ton of his play, but what little I've seen he has an air of confidence regardless of the level that I think you need in a striker. Right now I think he's in better form than Balogon, but we have seen him play under Poch yet though. I truly think Berhalter had a unique ability to suck the creativity from his players.
If Pepi can continue improving his hold up and layoff skills, he could compare favorably in style to Giroud. Not real pacey, but can fend off more physical defenders to get shots off and pull defenders.
All i know about Pepi is that he just keeps scoring, and he's 3rd thru 5th on everyone's list of favorite US strikers. It's looking like he really wants to kick in the door for starting #9. And with a new coach he has a neck of a chance to do just that. I really like Balogun and Wright, but the hot hand should win.
El Tren is grabbing his opportunities by the scruff and I’m glad to see it. To Berhalter, he was just an ass in a bench seat, but to Poch he’s becoming undeniably important. If Pepi can score a goal against Canada that could be the difference because they will be trying to focus on Pulisic and leave others open. Jesse Marsch should be worried!
if pepi has 1 million fans, im one of them, if Pepi has 100 fans, im one of them, if Pepi has 10 fans, im one of them, if Pepi has 1 fan, that's me, if Pepi has 0 fans, then i am dead.
I've been on Team Pepi for a while now. I keep hearing other people elevate Balogun over Pepi and I'm not sure why. Maybe because Pepi was developed in MLS and not the EPL? Regardless, they are both still very young and I hope they both continue developing well because not only is it good for them (and I like seeing my peeps do good by themselves) but it is also good for the USMNT (and I like seeing my peeps to good by the USMNT). 🙂
I think it’s because he’s a bonafide goal scorer at 21 that does things simply but consistently. Scoring goals for league leaders and Champions League contenders helps.
It’s just you. The other players are getting plenty of love and attention. Pepi been able to fly under the radar even though he consistently scores cause he isn’t the flashy name some of the others are.. He’s definitely winning me over I didn’t think he had it in him to be this good this fast and possibly moving to a giant, when I watched him in Dallas.
@JakeLandau True , the best Uruguayan player in history and the best Swedish ever. Also Ronaldo Nazario, who is considered one of the best players in history. Interesting that you consider Pepi at such level and yet he isn't even the starter in his squad...
Not saying Pepi is at that level, more that he is in a league that has developed world class strikers. He’s 21 so there’s plenty of growth still to come.
Saw one of your fellow USMNT RUclipsrs saying Pepi is now the clear #2 for the US at center forward, and just rolled my eyes. He's the Clear #1 for me, 100%. Balogun is a very good player, but I don't think he's a #9, not for the US at the National Team level. Pepi has everything you need at that position, and to my eyes, he has consistently fit in better with the offensive core of the US team than Balogun has, and has scored more consistently with them. And he's 21, so we can build and change the team around him over time. Poch shouldn't overthink this - look at what you see on the field and Pepi is your guy.
Jake , from what I saw last window; I am kinda of done with Vasquez, Crowell , & Zindas collectively. Pepi looks very good right now. Balagon & Pepi are 1 & 2 and everyone else fights for 3.
@@JakeLandau Wasn't trying to imply that it's easy though lol. Still a hard thing to do while fighting off defenders and placing it as well as he did makes it amazing. Also I didn't know that only a few people know that technique well and also the grass cutter is something you don't see a lot of these days.
That first goal was tremendous. You won't see many better examples of a striker combining pace, strength, aggressiveness, and audacious finishing. And the other two goals each have their own nuances that make them very good finishes. The second goal to have the awareness to settle the ball in a way that loses the defender, and the positioning and power/precision of the header for the third goal. Chef's kiss on all three goals in my opinion. The thing I take most from this performance is that each of these goals are the type that you really can't argue much about quality of opponent. They each stand on their own as superb, and I'm sure this performance will be Exhibit #1 when it comes to scouting efforts from other European teams in bigger leagues.
Follow me on Bluesky: bsky.app/profile/landaujake.bsky.social
L, use X
Not using that trash, use X
BTW, these types of breakdowns are great. One of your videos that first caught my attention was a detailed analysis of Musah's awareness in the middle of the park. How he receives the ball. How he takes advantage of spaces and his opponent's posture. Etc.
This video and your last one recapping the tactics from the 2nd leg versus Jamaica are niche opportunities in the RUclips USMNT community. Others might be expressing similar points, but none are doing it in a way that uses the frame-by-frame, moving back and forth on a certain highlight, style that you are using here. Keep it up.
Case in point is the breakdown of Pepi's first and second goals in this video. The work you are doing with the video analysis gives a clear demonstration of his intent and what makes those goals so special.
Thanks Chris I appreciate that. Honestly at this point I’m just doing it when I will have fun and I think it will add value.
Your breakdowns are excellent! Pepi is in great form.
Glad you think so!
Pepi is straight on kill mode for that striker position for the US team. This dude has the potential to be one of the world’s best striker’s I believe.
He’s locked in for sure.
slow down. remember santi scored 20+ goals in eredivise last year, so
wordls best is fuking insane😂😂
@@swaguelSanti was in the best team in the league at the time by far and couldn't do it outside of his comfort zone unlike Pepi. Its pretty obvious Santi is a mediocre player suited to that league like a Tadic or a Nuno Santos but Pepi has much higher potential and with his height in the right system could be insane.
@@swaguelPepi is a sub, he has potencial
No Pepi, no Party! 🎉
No Pepi no party!!!!
--> Great analysis, Jake! What I love about your work is that it isn't simply opinion-based chatter about who should or shouldn't start for the US; it's proper analysis of a player's technique and style.
I appreciate that!
It's special to see potential come to fruition. Here's to Pepi contiuing an upward trajectory! The ST 1st chair is his for the taking on the USMNT
That’s exactly right!
Glad you spotted the unique goals and the complexity each represented. I noticed and wondered those are quite good right? Doesn't matter the opponents rank in table. Glad you highlighted them. Pepi top scorer while playing half the number of available minutes. The clips of Dejong in the stands watching he never looked very pleased his team and specifically Pepi scoring.
Yeah I don’t think there’s an argument about “strength of opponent” here. Like you said Pepi is top scorer playing less than half a game on average.
Really good stuff, Jake - I appreciate the detailed breakdown. I learned something today!
Glad to hear it!
This was exciting to watch. Thanks for the analysis.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I remember the first video on Pepi where you focused on his ability to hit the corner of the net. Awesome to see him taking that even to another level. Great use of his body, savvy, and technique on the goals.
Thanks for being here for 3 years!
Pepi is killing it! Another great breakdown as usual Jake 🔥
Yo Jake, I watched this shortly after you posted but wasn't able to comment. Great breakdown of the fine points again! I am noticing some youtubers using your analysis. Keep posting them fast man!
Appreciate that! Do you mind letting me know who? I want to watch! I'm always learning.
A) Thanks again for the breakdown. And B) You're right. That first goal by Pepi was sick. And my first thought was, "That's something Erling Haaland would do." I don't often think that about any of our players. The muscle, pace, and finishing were all special.
Well said I actually agree Haaland is one player I think would purposely do that.
You did it again Jake. Excellent analysis.
Cheers biscuits!
Great breakdown. I'd love to see Pepi stay to become the full-time starter at PSV. He can still improve his hold up play. Striker depth looks good with Wright, Balogun, and Pepi.
It’s a weird situation because if he stays the backup he’s going to push for a transfer to be a starter somewhere else.
He probably should have had 5 goals in this match with the amount of chances he got. His movement really stood out in this match.
Yeah he definitely could have done a bit better on a few chances but every striker in the world will say that.
Quality content, man. very informative and entertaining 👍🏾
I appreciate that!
i remember your first video on Pepi.. you were on to something! hope he has a very bright future-- he'll get stronger & maybe a little faster as well
Appreciate you being here all these years!
great breakdown.....like Kobe said "More"
⚫️🐍
Pepi, Gio, and Busio need to move to Fiorentina… with De Gea at goal and a decent midfield! It’ll be awesome
Or Gio and Busio move to PSV so we can have 6 Americans
I haven't seen a ton of his play, but what little I've seen he has an air of confidence regardless of the level that I think you need in a striker. Right now I think he's in better form than Balogon, but we have seen him play under Poch yet though. I truly think Berhalter had a unique ability to suck the creativity from his players.
Balo needs to come back from his shoulder injury and I’m sure he’s going to be hungry after seeing Pepi’s production.
Genius breakdown
🙏
Would love to see him at a mid or upper table La Liga team. Perhaps Girona, Villarreal, Sociedad, Sevilla, or something like that
I think he’s probably ready for Girona or a fringe Champions League team
love the video! VAMOS PEPIIIIIII
VAMOOOOOS
Love your work!
Thank you! Cheers!
If Pepi can continue improving his hold up and layoff skills, he could compare favorably in style to Giroud. Not real pacey, but can fend off more physical defenders to get shots off and pull defenders.
Giroud was one of the most deadly and creative scorers despite his lack of speed so I think we’d be happy with that
All i know about Pepi is that he just keeps scoring, and he's 3rd thru 5th on everyone's list of favorite US strikers. It's looking like he really wants to kick in the door for starting #9. And with a new coach he has a neck of a chance to do just that. I really like Balogun and Wright, but the hot hand should win.
That’s the carrot for him I think. There’s a real chance he’s the starter in 2026
Man what an excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
the finish on the first goal reminds me of how Pulisic sometimes shoots
Puli learned his chip from Aubamayang at Dortmund. Haven’t seen him quite pull this off just yet!
El Tren is grabbing his opportunities by the scruff and I’m glad to see it. To Berhalter, he was just an ass in a bench seat, but to Poch he’s becoming undeniably important. If Pepi can score a goal against Canada that could be the difference because they will be trying to focus on Pulisic and leave others open. Jesse Marsch should be worried!
Choochoo
if pepi has 1 million fans, im one of them, if Pepi has 100 fans, im one of them, if Pepi has 10 fans, im one of them, if Pepi has 1 fan, that's me, if Pepi has 0 fans, then i am dead.
Eloquent.
He may not be the flashiest, but the kid just knows how to score
That’s all that matters!
more breakdowns especially USMNT players club games. do Jedi next about how he's such a good LB also Puli and Adams
I’m thinking Jedi is next. Be on the lookout 👀
Pepi should be our main striker
You think it’ll work out in 2026?
@@JakeLandauyes
Legoooo
I've been on Team Pepi for a while now. I keep hearing other people elevate Balogun over Pepi and I'm not sure why. Maybe because Pepi was developed in MLS and not the EPL? Regardless, they are both still very young and I hope they both continue developing well because not only is it good for them (and I like seeing my peeps do good by themselves) but it is also good for the USMNT (and I like seeing my peeps to good by the USMNT). 🙂
I think for strikers especially you go with the one scoring goals in a good league. Go with the hot hand
Is it just me, or does Pepi seem to make people more exited than other USMNT players? I feel like other players don’t get the love they deserve
I think it’s because he’s a bonafide goal scorer at 21 that does things simply but consistently. Scoring goals for league leaders and Champions League contenders helps.
He scores goals. A USA 🇺🇸 #9 who scores goals. That's new.
It’s just you. The other players are getting plenty of love and attention. Pepi been able to fly under the radar even though he consistently scores cause he isn’t the flashy name some of the others are..
He’s definitely winning me over I didn’t think he had it in him to be this good this fast and possibly moving to a giant, when I watched him in Dallas.
Pepi is getting more love because we haven't had a solid #9 for a while. Now we have options in that position.
Thank you!
You're welcome!
That first goal was a man’s goal.
He has definitely improved, but don't forget that he plays as a backup in the Eredivisie. 🤷
Same place that developed Luis Suarez and Zlatan
@JakeLandau True , the best Uruguayan player in history and the best Swedish ever. Also Ronaldo Nazario, who is considered one of the best players in history. Interesting that you consider Pepi at such level and yet he isn't even the starter in his squad...
Not saying Pepi is at that level, more that he is in a league that has developed world class strikers. He’s 21 so there’s plenty of growth still to come.
Pepi plays on by far the best team in a league that plays zero defense. He had terrible feet.
How were the first two goals examples of terrible feet?
I always thought Pepi could be an elite level player
He’s coming good on that now!
Football Manager “places shots” trait
Does he have that? 😂
Saw one of your fellow USMNT RUclipsrs saying Pepi is now the clear #2 for the US at center forward, and just rolled my eyes. He's the Clear #1 for me, 100%. Balogun is a very good player, but I don't think he's a #9, not for the US at the National Team level. Pepi has everything you need at that position, and to my eyes, he has consistently fit in better with the offensive core of the US team than Balogun has, and has scored more consistently with them. And he's 21, so we can build and change the team around him over time. Poch shouldn't overthink this - look at what you see on the field and Pepi is your guy.
I don’t really watch anyone else do thanks for coming here 😂 Balogun and everyone else will be #2 until they start scoring more than Pepi.
No Pepi no party
Pepi was raised in Texas he has that dog in him😤
Woof woof!
NO PEPI NO PARTY
NPNP
😳🤔,Pepi is releasing the hunger of the Lion 🦁 in his Game either Club or Country as he do not want to be a Super Sub but a Starter 😳🤔
🦁
Jake , from what I saw last window; I am kinda of done with Vasquez, Crowell , & Zindas collectively. Pepi looks very good right now. Balagon & Pepi are 1 & 2 and everyone else fights for 3.
I liked Cowell and he’s plenty young to still make an impact. Agree on Vazquez but a lot can happen in two years!
@ , Cowell is one dimensional and is not technical. A glorified Paul Arriola . I thought playing liga mex his ball skills would improve.
He basically did a hooking cross on the first goal. The technique is the same essentially.
That’s true!
@@JakeLandau Wasn't trying to imply that it's easy though lol. Still a hard thing to do while fighting off defenders and placing it as well as he did makes it amazing. Also I didn't know that only a few people know that technique well and also the grass cutter is something you don't see a lot of these days.
This is Groningen. I'd like to see him try a more competitive league. de Jong couldn't even take Ligamx
Maybe like… the Champions League?
That first goal was tremendous. You won't see many better examples of a striker combining pace, strength, aggressiveness, and audacious finishing.
And the other two goals each have their own nuances that make them very good finishes. The second goal to have the awareness to settle the ball in a way that loses the defender, and the positioning and power/precision of the header for the third goal. Chef's kiss on all three goals in my opinion.
The thing I take most from this performance is that each of these goals are the type that you really can't argue much about quality of opponent. They each stand on their own as superb, and I'm sure this performance will be Exhibit #1 when it comes to scouting efforts from other European teams in bigger leagues.
Yes completely agree. Doesn’t matter the quality of opponent those are 3 goals no matter who he’s playing.
Juve has been on Pepi for a while now. And we need a striker.
If McKennie and Weah stay that would be awesome
He needs another year of seasoning before moving on to a bigger club. Trajectory lookin good, though.
Put that salt and peppa on
Loved your content and would have subbed, but I don't like Blue Sky. It won't do the country any good to further devide into separate exho chambers.
Pepi is better than De Jong. If he wasnt Dutch and a club staple, Pepi would start. He still should.
Tough to say. De Jong is only a few goals away from Cruyff’s goal tally and is legit a club legend
@JakeLandau absolutely is a legend, and has had a great career. But right now, he is on the decline, and Pepi is on the rise.
I agree but Bosz doesn’t 😂
@@JakeLandau hard to bench a club legend
He needs to play for Canada 🇨🇦
I don’t think that’s happening Mr Marsch
Fun to see Jesse weigh in. He obviously respects Pepi’s skills, as well as your adroit analysis. I appreciate all three of you!
Pepi is so great USA player for me Dear Jake but Christian Pulisic is My Man and My American Hero and Idol.🥰😍🤗❤🤍💙💯