Who's next for the U.S? Graham Zusi and Terrence Boyd are names you should get used to. |
The United States took care of business last night vs. Jamaica and really that's about it. As for most of these early World Cup qualifying games, the U.S. men should annihilate their competition, but as we've seen over the years that's not always the case. Either way these matches are a legitimate test run for some of America's young talent before they are plugged into the real (real) qualifying which comes commences next summer. Let's take a look at some of the young names that keep popping up:
Brek Shea, attacking midfielder
I've got this feeling that Shea could be the future for the U.S. up front. The 22-year-old posses the sort of skills, length and speed that could enable him to be the next Donovan (creativity-wise). While that sort of title is a ways away, he has shown flashes of absolute brilliance with creativity and speed. There also is this swagger about him that screams a Dempsey in the making. But, Shea has not shown the consistency needed to replace Donovan or Dempsey and he also needs to leave his digs at F.C. Dallas for European pastures. Growing up is the main thing for Shea and maybe some toughness is needed as well, but I've had a good feeling about him since he first toed the pitch against Colombia two years ago. Watch out for Shea, not only cause he's 6'3" and has this crazy blonde hair but because there is some serious skill hidden behind all of that immaturity.
Geoff Cameron, center back
Cameron might be 27-years-old but he's shown he could be the answer to the United States back-four woes. He manned the back for the assault against Mexico and weathered the storm nicely, while also providing some move-the-ball action. When he was paired with Maurice Edu, the two developed some nice chemistry and Klinsmann obviously liked the way Cameron played. He recently moved from the Houston Dynamo to Stoke City in a transition that should certainly improve his game. Cameron will be a massive addition to the 2014 World Cup if he can continue to show the sort of consistency he has in his last three caps.
Graham Zusi, midfielder
This guy is fresh off the block in terms of international starts. He made his U.S. debut against Venezuela and really showed some balls. Dude can bomb it from anywhere and is pretty accurate. There is definitely some potential there for him to be the free kick taker in the future. What I really like about him is that he wasn't afraid to come in and let it rain from anywhere, unfortunately all he met was woodwork last night. He's 26 and playing for Kansas City in the MLS, but if he can tear it up in the two more World Cup qualifying matches you bet he'll get some serious looks from European clubs.
Terrence Boyd, striker
Boyd is one of the United States most promising prospects, especially in U.S. Soccer's eyes. He's only 21, but he's already shredding it for SK Rapid Wien (an Austrian club) with four goals in only six games. That was after a stint in the German second league for three years. Boyd's move straight to Europe out of high school should seriously help his development with the national squad. He's yet to score in six games with America's big boys, but that doesn't mean he hasn't shown us a little bit of his strength and touch on the ball. The guys not going to be lining up 25-foot bombs, but he's going to work hard and will be extremely useful against bigger defenders (6'2"). Boyd had the back heel pass that allowed Orozco Fiscal to score the historic goal against Mexico in August. Smooth.
Danny Williams, midfielder
In what could be called a microcosm of Klinsmann's reign we have Danny Williams. The 23-year-old was the first player to make his USA debut under Klinsmann and he has been somewhat successful. He's a holding midfielder, so he's not going to wow you very often. Yet, with that being said, he can rip it when he wants to. He let off an absolute missile vs. Jamaica that may have shattered the woodwork had it had any more room to pick up speed. With Jermaine Jones treading mud as a defensive middie, it looks like Williams could be next up if that downward trend continues. Ironically, Williams and Jones are both German-born Americans and hold dual citizenship, but if Jones doesn't get his act together it'll be Williams manning the middle for the U.S.
Fabian Johnson, defender
I'm not so sure how I feel about Johnson but I can tell you this, he runs wild out there. As a move-the-ball defenseman, he can sometimes energize an offense. However, in the same breadth he can be out of control making massive turnovers from time-to-time. Johnson plays in the German Bundesliga, which should give him serious experience moving forward. But at 24 years old, Johnson needs to find the perfect balance between pushing the docket and staying at home or he won't have a home with the United States team. We'll see about Johnson in the coming months because I'm pretty sure Klinsmann loves his versatility and when Jurgen loves someone's skill set he loves it.
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