The United States qualified for the World Cup Finals ahead of Mexico and given the Mexican’s recent form, which includes an unfortunate defeat to England as well as a victory over World Cup winners Italy, that fact alone should put England, Slovenia and Algeria on high alert. Bob Bradley’s team are hopeful of progressing beyond the first phase of the competition for the first time since 2002 and to do so, they are going to have to rely on the performances of some key players.
Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) 123 caps 42 goals
Donovan must be considered as America’s primary weapon in the finals. The boisterous winger, known for being outspoken, has already engaged in conflicts with David Beckham while Beckham played at LA Galaxy. However, despite that, Donovan is the best player in the USA soccer jersey. The way that Donovan’s trademark technique, speed, and ability to control the ball with ease to score goals will make him a key player for the United States.
Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan) 54 caps 5 goals
After being injured in his first season of playing in serie A with Milan’s team, fans were disappointed that after a successful seven seasons football in Belgium with Metz, La Louviere, and Standard Liege, Onyewu was not able to play. Oneyewu, the bigwig defender of the US national team, signed for Milan’s team in July of last year after working with Standard to win the Belgian league title twice. Despite his injury problems in 2009-2010, which restricted Onyewu to just one appearance for Milan in Serie A, the powerful defender will hopefully be fully fit to provide a key link in the United States defensive line at the World Cup finals this summer.
Tim Howard (Everton) 51 caps 0 goals
Tim Howard, Bob Bradley’s star goalkeeper, has come into his own over the past three years, achieving a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the entire Premier League. After an unimpressive time spent with Manchester United, Howard found his place at Everton during a loan period beginning in May 2006 and eventually signed on for a permanent spot on the team. Howard has continued with an impressive career, beating out legendary goalkeepers Iker Casillas, Gigi Buffon, and Julio Cesar to own the 2009 Confederations Cup in South Africa’s coveted best goalkeeper award.
Clint Dempsey (Fulham) 62 caps 18 goals
Both Dempsey and Fulham rejoiced after a radiant 2009-2010 season, that included Dempsey’s extraordinary chipped winner that resulted in a ride into the Europa League semi-final in the lead of Juventus. Dempsey makes his club and his country proud as a striker or winger, scoring essential goals at crucial moments in a game. Dempsey and Donovan work as an excellent team, perfectly complementing one another on opposite sides, and the pair is sure to provide the inexperienced attacks from the US prospects for a win in group games.
Tags: soccer, usa soccer, usa soccer team