Brenden Aaronson insists he is 'ready to go' if called upon when the United States meet the Netherlands in the World Cup Round of 16 on Saturday.
The Leeds United attacking midfielder is still awaiting his first start at the World Cup finals, despite featuring in each of USA's three group games.
USA went unbeaten during the group stages - drawing against Wales and England respectively, before sealing their place in the knockout stages with a 1-0 victory over Iran on Tuesday.
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Christian Pulisic sustained an 'pelvic injury' when scoring the decisive goal, which could potentially open up the door for Aaronson. The Chelsea winger says he is hopeful of being fit for the eagerly awaited tie against the Dutch, but his status is still uncertain.
"For me, I focus on the team most of all. If my name is called and I have to go out on the field then I'll do the very best I can," Aaronson told SI.
"At the game I remember getting my name called on at half-time. Your mindset isn't really there because Christian looked fine, he played the rest of the half, and then you get called in all of a sudden and so many emotions come over you.
"Your like, 'oh my god, I've got to get ready to go'. It was the last 45 minutes, we had to defend the lead, or get another goal. A lot of emotions came over me but whatever it is, whatever role I have to play, I am ready to go.
"There's always a little pressure when you come to a World Cup. I am so excited to be here and the position that we're in, it's a dream come true and I am really looking forward to this next game."
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