Looking ahead to the 2018 World Cup: Who’s in, Who’s out for United States

 

Players to Watch:

 

Cody Cropper, GK – Cropper plays his ball for Southampton in England and hasn’t yet been called up to the full national team, but in his time overseas he’s proven to be a physically imposing player with a lot of skill. The 2018 World Cup cycle could be all about finding young options behind Guzan and Cropper could be that guy.

 

Emerson Hyndman, MF – Hyndman, the grandson of coaching legend Schellas Hyndman, is tearing it up for Fulham’s U-21 team right now as an 18 year old. He is scoring in bunches and playing a very creative midfield role, which is something missing behind Bradley in the current US setup heading in to the next World Cup cycle. While Hyndman will be just 22 years old, his talent is undeniable. It’s a matter of when, not if, Klinsmann will call this youngster up to the full national team roster. Expect him to get some looks in the last few years of this upcoming World Cup cycle.

 

Zach Pfeffer, MF – The Philadelphia Union thought so highly of this midfielder that he became the club’s first ever home grown player signing back in 2010, at the sparkling age of 15 nonetheless. He’s made just seven appearances for the full Unions squad, but he’s also been out on loan in Germany for a season and from what I’ve seen has a future in linking between the defense and attack.

 

Perry Kitchen, MF – Yes, the D.C. United player is a known commodity at the MLS level. But, with Kyle Beckerman likely done at the international level, there is no one that fills the defensive midfield role better than Kitchen. He’s not afraid of being physical and he’s got some great skill on the ball. If there’s a player ready-made for the USMNT that hasn’t been in the national team setup just yet its Kitchen.

About Andrew Coppens

Andy is a contributor to The Comeback as well as Publisher of Big Ten site talking10. He also is a member of the FWAA and has been covering college sports since 2011. Andy is an avid soccer fan and runs the Celtic FC site The Celtic Bhoys. If he's not writing about sports, you can find him enjoying them in front of the TV with a good beer!

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