In some corners, Christian Pulisic has been dubbed "Captain America." And that's fine. This is a good thing. Captain America sounds cool. It references Marvel movies. It's a familiar character, and was good fodder for Gazzetta when Milan announced Pulisic's signing.

It gives Pulisic, American soccer's most marketable asset and best player, something of a personality. And let's face it: star players need nicknames.

Except it's also a bit misleading. Pulisic may have the moniker, but he is most definitely not "the captain of America." Instead, that honor - at least in terms of wearing the armband for the USMNT - has often gone to Tyler Adams. And that makes infinite more sense. Pulisic is a star. Adams is a leader.

He does all of the gritty stuff: runs, defends, tackles. He sometimes pops one in from 30 yards. He is the battered and hard-nosed center midfielder that every team craves.

And for the October camp, the USMNT won't have him. Adams is absent from Mauricio Pochettino's squad for personal reasons (he's welcoming a child). It's no doubt a joyous occasion, but it does leave the U.S. with a tactical problem. They are now without their leader and crucial midfield piece.

And with a few other presumptive players also out, Pochettino has to figure out how to piece together the middle of the park. And it might not be so easy.