Future USMNT stars to watch
United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann is already preparing his squad for the 2015 Gold Cup. In doing so, many unknown American players have been called upon for this training camp. For those who do not pay attention to Major League Soccer, these names will bring with an aura of the unknown.
For this list of the future USMNT stars, the player must be or under the age of 21, have never played for the United States in any competition other than friendlies and currently be signed on with a pro club. For these five players, if they continue in their development, they could one day be the next great American star.
Gedion Zelalem – 17 years old – Arsenal
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Having just gained his American citizenship, Zelalem is only an official switch from FIFA away from becoming the top young American. The switch should come without a problem, making Zelalem an official American soccer player by the start of the Gold Cup. With his addition, manager Jurgen Klinsmann’s German-American additions will continue.
Zelalem will join current German-American players Jermaine Jones, Julian Green, Fabian Johnson, Timmy Chandler and John Brooks. The Arsenal man has already received high praise from his coaches. His youth coaches have talked highly of him. His”dribbling like Iniesta” and “passing like Xavi” show that this young man could be a future star for both Arsenal and the United States.
Luis Gil – 21 years old – Real Salt Lake
Having been called up for the United States winter training camp, Gil looks to be a mainstay in the American midfield for some time to come. Even at the young age of 21, Gil has already made 107 appearances for Real Salt Lake. His first appearance came back in 2010 at the age of 16.
Gil already has the looks of becoming a long term American starter. He averaged 1.43 chances per game last season, leading the way for youngsters in Major League Soccer. Expect Gil to make his competitive debut for the National Team during this summer’s Gold Cup as well as lead the American’s in squads Olympic qualifiers next year.
Rubio Rubin – 18 years old – FC Utrecht
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An unknown prior to this past November. He started up front with American star Jozy Altidore against Columbia and proved that he could be one of America’s brightest prospects. He narrowly missed scoring a header and played at a very high level for his first international start. With the likes of Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood, Juan Agudelo and others expected to challenge up front, the race to become the top forward is quickly heating up.
What Rubin may have that most of the other don’t though, is quality starting time for a club in Europe. With Jurgen Klinsmann openly expressing his desire for American’s to play in Europe, Rubin’s time with Utrecht could give him the boost to lead the American front line for many years to come.
However, with Mexican citizenship, Klinsmann must cap Rubin in an official competition if he wants to hang on to this bright star.
Shane O’Neill – 21 years old – Colorado Rapids
A home grown player with top class talent. Shane O’Neill joined the Rapid’s youth system in 2009 and within three years became a strong presence within the senior side. Though he has only made 48 senior side appearances in his career, the Irish-American looks destined to become the next great United States Center back.
The whole issue with O’Neill could lie in what his best position will be. He plays as both a center back and midfielder for Colorado. Because he excels so well at both positions, it could be up to the United States manager what position he eventually takes in the starting eleven.
If the United States are to take advantage of O’Neill though, they will need to move fast. He has previously said that he would gladly accept a call-up from either the United States or his native Ireland. It appears that the first country to come calling will potentially have the service of a top notch defender.
Zack Steffen – 19 years old – SC Freiburg
We saved the best for last. Easily the future of American Soccer in between the pipes, Zack Steffen comes across as a once in a lifetime player. At only 19 years of age, Steffen is ready to take both the United States and world by storm. He already holds the record of being the youngest player ever called up to the United States U-20 side.
With two strong years with the University of Maryland, Steffen opted to go pro, signing with German Bundesliga side SC Freiburg, a major step for any world class goalkeeper. He is currently starting for the United States at the CONCACAF U-20 championships with the hope of bringing America to the U-20 World Cup.
With top goalkeepers Tim Howard gone and Brad Guzan both out of the picture following the 2018 World Cup, Steffen could come on and be the United States starter for years to come, proving once again that the United States has some of the world’s best goalkeepers.