Yunus Musah Faces Uncertain Future at Atalanta

Yunus Musah’s Atalanta journey has taken an unexpected turn, with the midfielder now struggling for minutes and his place in the USMNT squad for the 2026 World Cup in question. Once a linchpin for the United States during the 2022 World Cup, Musah’s fortunes have changed after his move from AC Milan to Atalanta.

Yunus Musah’s Atalanta Stint Raises USMNT Concerns

Yunus Musah made his ambitions clear ahead of the 2025-26 season, aiming for silverware with Milan and continued success with the USMNT. However, after a late loan switch to Atalanta, Musah has found first-team opportunities limited, clocking just under 300 minutes so far this campaign. Despite staying fit, his lack of playing time has led USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino to leave him out of recent squads—not due to injury, but simply a lack of minutes on the pitch.

Managerial Changes and Tactical Fit at Atalanta

Musah’s struggles have been compounded by Atalanta’s turbulent season. After Ivan Juric’s dismissal, Raffaele Palladino has been brought in as the new manager. Palladino is known for deploying energetic, roaming midfielders in his preferred 4-5-1 setup, which could potentially suit Musah’s dynamic playing style. Atalanta’s slow start to the season, sitting in 13th after 11 games, underscores the need for fresh ideas and personnel.

Musah’s Versatility: A Blessing or a Curse?

Throughout his career, Musah’s adaptability has been both his strength and his challenge. At Milan, he filled multiple roles—nine different positions over one season—never quite specializing. The lack of a consistent home in midfield may have hindered his development and impacted his standing both at club and international level.

The Competition for Minutes

Breaking into Atalanta’s starting XI has proven tough. With established midfielders like Ederson and Mario Pasalic, plus experienced wide men like Davide Zappacosta, Musah faces fierce competition. So far, he’s managed just six Serie A appearances and only one start, which ironically came for Milan before his loan move. Even with Atalanta’s squad rotation, Musah’s league minutes have been sparse.

Can Raffaele Palladino Revive Yunus Musah’s Atalanta Spell?

The arrival of Raffaele Palladino could mark a turning point. Palladino’s tactical approach, focusing on aggressive pressing and attacking transitions, plays to Musah’s strengths as a box-to-box midfielder. If given the chance, Musah could rediscover his best form, which made him so crucial alongside Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie during the 2022 World Cup.

Implications for the USMNT and 2026 World Cup

For the USMNT, Musah’s situation is being closely monitored. Mauricio Pochettino has stated that consistent club minutes are a requirement for selection, and Musah’s absence from the national setup is a direct result of his current club limbo. However, with a new manager at Atalanta and potential tactical shifts, there’s still hope Musah can reclaim his place ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Opinion: Musah Deserves Patience and a Defined Role

Musah’s raw talent and energy are undeniable, but his career progress demands patience and the right environment. A consistent role under Palladino could be the catalyst he needs to fulfill his potential. For the sake of both Atalanta and the USMNT, giving Musah a run of games in his natural position could pay dividends. If he seizes the opportunity, his Atalanta nightmare might yet become the comeback story American fans are hoping for.

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