The term "super-sub" is one that elicits conflicting emotions for a player. On the one hand, there's an acknowledgement that their contributions are valued. After all, they are getting on the field.

So it is proving for Ricardo Pepi. The 21-year-old has filled the role of super sub for both PSV Eindhoven, and the U.S. men's national team for the entirety of this World Cup cycle. Of his 19 ...

There is also the mental toll of being a super-sub. Pepi spoke of how he's had to be patient for both club and country, but that dealing with limited minutes has been difficult emotionally.