The U.S men’s national team will be looking to test themselves against top South-American opponents like Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay when they welcome the rest of the continent for this year’s Copa America.
The host nation has taken significant strides as a team in recent years, their impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup a good example of how far they have come.
The USMNT boast perhaps their most talented squad in recent history heading into the tournament. Soccernet.football takes a look at seven players who could well deliver the goods for the host nation.
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7. Antonee Robinson
Robinson impressed for Fulham this past campaign, helping the Cottagers keep the fourth-most highest number of clean sheets while contributing in attack with seven assists.
The 26-year-old left-back has proven himself a reliable defender and also does not shy away from taking on attacking responsibilities when he has the chance.
With the USMNT set to go into the tournament without their first choice right-back Serginho Dest, they may have to rely on the Fulham defender to provide extra attacking threat from the flanks.
6. Weston McKennie
The Juventus midfielder is certainly one of USMNT’s biggest stars and will undoubtedly play a crucial role for the host nation at the Copa America.
McKennie had a decent season with Juventus who finished third in the Serie A and won the Coppa Italia, registering 10 assists across 38 games in all competitions.
The 25-year-old could feature for the hosts in central and attacking midfield positions from where he will be capable of providing a creative spark for the team.
5. Ricardo Pepi
The 21-year-old striker played second fiddle to Luuk De Jong for the better part of PSV Eindhoven’s 2023/2024 Eredivisie campaign, starting in only one of his 27 appearances in the Dutch league.
However, Pepi impressed whenever he got his chance, managing seven goals and two assists despite his very limited playing time.
The young center forward may well find himself in a similar position with the USMNT when the Copa America commences later this month.
4. Folarin Balogun
Another one of the USMNT’s young and promising center forwards, Folarin enjoyed a decent season with Monaco in the French Ligue 1 this past campaign.
The 22-year-old striker contributed seven goals and five assists, helping Monaco to a second place finish and could play a similar role for the hosts in the tournament.
Folarin will be looking to earn his manager’s trust for the starting shirt as USMNT’s number nine but he will face stiff competition from Coventry City forward Haji Wright.
3. Malik Tillman
Tillman was one of the standout performers of 2023/2024 Eredivisie champions PSV Eindhoven, registering 19 goal involvements across 28 appearances.
Depending on how USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter decides to arrange his midfield, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder could be deployed in the number 10 role during the tournament.
Malik Tillman will be hoping he can reproduce the levels he displayed for the Dutch champions when the competition kicks off on the 20th of June.
2. Christian Pulisic
The 25-year-old winger enjoyed a great debut campaign for AC Milan in Italy, emerging as one the Rossoneri’s best players with 26 goal contributions across 50 appearances.
Pulisic is the definition of a man in fine form, having enjoyed the most productive outing of his career this past season and he will surely be looking to dazzle for the host nation.
Pulisic on the right flank for the USMNT going into the tournament is a no-brainer. The AC Milan forward is a reliable source for chance creation and clinical finishing.
1. Haji Wright
The 26-year-old striker was brilliant for Coventry City in the EFL Championship and he was instrumental as they reached the FA Cup semi finals where they were knocked out by Manchester United via penalties.
Wright is another USMNT attacker who achieved a personal best this past season after registering 19 goals and 8 assists across 50 appearances for City.
A versatile player, Wright can lead the attack, play as a left winger or left midfielder depending on the tactical approach. The Coventry striker is in hot form and could well stake his claim on USMNT’s number nine position.
