On Sunday, U.S. Soccer announced the list of players to be called into U.S. Men’s National Team Camp, in anticipation of Wednesday’s contest against heated rival, Mexico in San Antonio, Texas.
This lineup features a largely Concacaf contingent of players for the U.S., all of which have donned the red, white, and blue before.
3 MLS Players Klinsmann Should Call Up to Play for the U.S.
In a sense, there has to be very little left to learn about the skill sets of each of the players called into camp for Coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s Staff. Moreover, it’s possible that it might be a good idea to consider new players to be brought into the fold considering: at least 8 players that played in the previous World Cup are currently over 30, and 5 more USMNT regular contributors are going to be over 30 by the next one in 2018.
Due to age, it’s very possible that many of the players that will play in World Cop 2018, are not currently playing as professionals.
With that in mind, I compiled a list of the three best young players, whom should get a reasonable chance to contribute for the USMNT based on their current MLS form.
- Harrison Shipp, Chicago Fire:
With Mike Magee still getting healthy and Shaun Maloney just recently gaining form, Shipp has been Mr. Offense. He creates 2.2 chances to score each game, which is 3rd best among America born players, and better than any other American forward. He also is tied for second in MLS in assists, all while missing his former strike partner in Magee (Squawka.com).
Shipp has the best shot accuracy percentage among the US born players with more than 2 appearances, and only Jozy Altidore and Robbie Findley completes passes at a better rate than he does (Squawka.com).
This homegrown player has the makings to be something special for the Red, White, and Blue if given the chance to play.
- Matt Hedges, FC Dallas:
Matt Hedges has received a few calls from his nation before, missing opportunities to impress. This time around could be different, as his play has been stellar early on in the season.
He has statistically been the most active American defender in MLS. According to Squawka.com, his 14.4 defensive actions per game (Clearances, Won Tackles, and Interceptions) is the most among American Defenders in MLS.
He is in the top five for MLS defenders in both interceptions per game and defensive clearances per game, and has a knack for making life very difficult for opposing forwards (Squawka.com).
- Tyler Deric, Houston Dynamo:
Tyler Deric has simply been outstanding so far this season.
He has made 21 saves on 23 chances. Though I’m sure he’ll regret conceding this goal against Orlando City, he’s still saving 91% of the shots that go his way.
He’s given up the second lowest total of goals so far this season, while having a defense that has conceded the 6th most shots so far this season.
He has proven early in this year, that he can make the tough saves, whether or not he receives a ton of help from his teammates.
Main Photo Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
