It's common knowledge that the United States National Team are not among the best teams in the world. That being said, young American's are giving r
It’s common knowledge that the United States National Team are not among the best teams in the world. That being said, young American’s are giving reason to believe that in the near future we will be able to compete with the global elite. Of course more than talent is needed to challenge for the ultimate prize of lifting the World Cup. But, without it there is no chance.
World Cup teams that advance to the quarterfinal stages have proven to be loaded with players that are also grinding it out in the Champions League.
The U.S. does have rising talent competing in the Champions League. Ajax, Juventus, RB Leipzig, Chelsea, and Borussia Dortmund are Champions League teams where Americans are currently plying there trade. It must be mentioned that the American players are not just on the roster but have expectations to impact the team regularly. Christian Pulisic a player that could become the first American world class player. Many believe he has not yet reached his full potential and his recent form in the Premier League has proven his trajectory is most definitely on the rise. At 21 years old, Christian has been incredible in his short time at Chelsea. As a reminder, Chelsea are one of the few teams that has won the Champions League and are consistently a top team in England.
Another player on the rise is Weston McKennie, age 22. Last week he joined Italian giants Juventus. His opportunity to develop alongside Ronaldo and Manager Andrea Pirlo is absolutely fantastic for the future of the US National Team.
Another player worth mentioning is Serginio Dest. He is currently at Ajax. A team with a rich history of producing world class talent that reached the Champions League Semifinal in 2019. At just 19 years old Serginio has been linked with Bayer Munich and other big clubs. Regardless of a move away from Ajax, he is a talent that will benefit the US National Team moving forward. Giovanni Reyna, at 17 years old, is a highly touted American now at Borussia Dortmund. If his progress continues as it has than he will be a mainstay in the US National Team for many years. It’s exciting to think of Reyna and Pulisic in their prime leading the National Team’s attack. Twenty-one year old Tyler Adams has seen significant time at one of the most exciting teams in Germany with RB Leipzig. Their manager Julian Nagelsman is considered by many as the best young coach in the world. Tyler scored the game winer as they advanced to the Champions League Semifinals.
It could take a decade to see a National Team project come to fruition. But, do not be surprised when the US makes a good run in the upcoming World Cup’s. Will we win it? Likely not. While we are improving in the US, the best of the best are doing everything to maintain their edge. Our culture as a footballing nation has much room to grow. But, when looking at the talent needed to reach the latter stages of a World Cup, the future is getting brighter. Gregg Berhalter and his staff have more resources than ever before. Let’s be patient and expectant. Everyone knows we can be better.
