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 A Guide of American Players for the 2022 World Cup 

On May 31, 2022, the United States National Men’s soccer team played Costa Rica in World Cup 2022 Qualifying, losing 0-2. Fortunately, they only had to not lose by 6 goals or more to qualify for the World Cup, meaning that the United States will be returning to World Cup play this year after not qualifying in 2018.

The 2022 World Cup will happen between November 21, 2022 and December 18, 2022 in Qatar. The draw for who plays in each group happened on April 01, 2022. The United States will be playing England, Iran, and the winner of Wale and Scotland/Ukraine, a berth which hasn’t been decided due to the conflict in Ukraine. It is entirely plausible that the United States could advance through this group to knockout stages of play, as the top 2 advance from each group.

The USMNT is currently in the process of deciding who will represent the United States at the World Cup. A young roster filled with exciting prospects, the Americans aren’t expected to be the best team at the World Cup but our hungry roster will be eager to prove themselves. To properly support the United States Men’s Soccer team, it’s good to become familiarized with our key players. In this post, I will be going over our most important players who are preparing to play at the biggest sports tournament in the world. 

Goalkeepers

Currently, there is no clear #1 for the United States, with two goalkeepers splitting the starts through qualifying. Goalkeeper has always been a strong position for the United States, with Tim Howard being an internationally recognized sensation during the 2014 World Cup. Zack Steffen or Matt Turner could be the goalkeeping come November.

Zack Steffen - A 27 year-old who is currently the second choice goalkeeper at one of the best clubs in the world, Manchester City in the English Premier League. More athletic than Turner, he shows probably higher potential, but there are concerns about the lack of playing time that he gets for his club team and the confidence that he would have in net. He has only featured in eight games this season for Manchester City.

Matt Turner - Also 27 years old, Matt Turner currently plays for New England Revolution and is statistically one of the best goalkeepers in the MLS. He was voted the best Goalkeeper in the league in 2021. He has signed a contract with Arsenal in the English Premier League to move there in Summer 2022. With better shot-stopping and positioning than Steffen and consistent playtime throughout the year, it is hard to argue against him. 

Defenders

The United States doesn’t boast the strongest defense but it is mostly clear who is considered to be our strongest players for these positions.

Walker Zimmerman - A 28 year old centerback playing for Nashville SC in the MLS, Zimmerman was named the MLS Defender of the Year in both of the last two seasons. Zimmerman is a 6’3” experienced player in the back. Considered our anchor in defense, he is the clearest choice in defense to build around.

Miles Robinson - The clear choice to pair with Zimmerman at centerback, 25 year old Robinson plays for Atlanta United in the MLS and has been voted in to the team of the year two of the last three years. Much faster than the slower, more physical Zimmerman, he compliments well to prevent a lack of speed in the defense. 

Sergino Dest - Only 21 years old, Dest is one of the most promising players for the United States, already finding first-team action with FC Barcelona in La Liga. FC Barcelona signed him to a five-year contract with a release clause at 400 million euros, showing how much they value his growth potential. With strong attacking prowess and speed, he serves as an exciting player at fullback who can offer himself as a threat in attack.

Antonee Robinson - A 24 year old leftback for Fulham in the second division of English soccer who has Premier League experience from last season before Fulham were relegated, Robinson is a fast, athletic defender. There are questions about his ability to pass in possession and make good decisions but his athleticism makes him the top choice at leftback.

Midfielders

The midfield pool for the United States has the most potential and quality compared to other positions. Young and exciting, the midfield is filled with players that can make noise at the World Cup this winter. 

Tyler Adams - One of our best players and almost a guaranteed start at CDM, 23 year old Adams is playing for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. He has been playing professionally since 16 years old. An extremely versatile player, he’s capable of playing as a defender, attacker, or in his best position as a holding midfielder. 

Weston McKennie - Primarily a box-to-box midfielder, McKennie is known for his defensive skills, ball retention, and work rate. At 23, McKennie has been starting for the largest italian club in the world, Juventus, for two years. On February 22, he injured his metasaral, keeping him out of qualifiers. If he is healthy, he will definitely play in the World Cup and be one of the key players to watch for the United States.

Gio Reyna - At 19 years old, Reyna is one of the most exciting players developing for the United States. Son of USMNT Legend Claudio Reyna, he has been playing through the youth national team ranks for years. Currently playing at Borussia Dortmund in Germany, Reyna is the youngest player to make 50 appearances in the Bundesliga ever. He is a strong and creative dribbler that could be instrumental to the United States success at the World Cup.

Forwards

The United States Men’s National Team has a good amount of creative wingers but since the departure of Jozy Altidore from the team lacks the emergence of a true forward. This is perhaps the biggest question going into the World Cup for the US. However, the wingers have enough ability to create chances on their own.

Christian Pulisic - The golden boy of United States Soccer, nicknamed “Captain America”, 23 year old Pulisic began playing professionally in Germany for Borussia Dortmund at 17 years old. Since then, he has held the hopes and dreams of American soccer fans. Already mentioned in conversations as the best American player of all, Pulisic moved to Chelsea FC in England in 2020 and was the first American to play in a Champions League Final in 2021. With a direct instinct toward goal and both elite physical and technical ability, Pulisic is the star player for the USMNT.

Tim Weah - 22 year old Tim Weah currently plays for Lille in Ligue 1 France. Son of George Weah, soccer legend and current President of Liberia, he has big footsteps to fill. Although not a natural striker, agile and a good finisher, it is possible that Weah plays at the 11 for the United States this winter. 

Brendan Aaronson - A 20 year old who plays as an attacking midfielder for his club RB Salzburg in Austria, Aaronson made big waves in the MLS, being named to the 2020 MLS Best XI. A versatile attacking player, Aaronson can play as a winger or midfielder at the World Cup.