Chris Richards Ranks First in USMNT Player Performance Index as New Cycle Begins

Crystal Palace center back Chris Richards leads the USMNT Player Performance Index after playing every minute of the Premier League season so far.

Crystal Palace center back Chris Richards holds the top spot in the latest ESPN USMNT Player Performance Index, having played every minute of the current Premier League campaign. Despite his team conceding a league-worst 9.46 expected goals through five matches, Richards has transitioned to the center of manager Pierre Sage’s back three following the departures of Marc Guéhi and Maxence Lacroix. Fulham fullback Antonee Robinson and PSV Eindhoven forward Ricardo Pepi follow in the second and third positions, respectively.

Christian Pulisic ranks sixth after scoring and leading all players in expected goals (xG) and expected assists during his first start under AC Milan coach Ruben Amorim. Pulisic achieved these stats in under 70 total minutes of play. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan entered the rankings at number 31. Sullivan currently ranks fourth in MLS for non-penalty xG and sixth for expected possession value added since the World Cup break.

The index utilizes a weighted formula consisting of 40% market value, 35% Opta team ratings, and 25% domestic league playing time. Several established veterans are currently absent from the national team setup, including 26-year-old Marseille captain Timothy Weah, who ranks 10th on the list. Conversely, Yunus Musah has returned to the USMNT roster for upcoming friendlies after playing 330 minutes for Milan this season, despite having not appeared for the national team since March 2025.