Who is US Men's National Team's next star?

Today's USMNT match against China has brought to mind a question that I have been thinking about for a while. Who is going to be the USMNT's next star? Doesn't have to be someone in the U20's it can be an established player who will step up and take the role as America's future in football or leader if you will.

Just was hoping to get a few general thoughts on the topic. I know Donovan was or is America's poster boy, but I believe that dream world is beginning to come back to reality at a rapid rate.

 

I pray to all that is holy that a young forward emerges, so I'm hoping its
Altidore (think he'll have a great U20 WC). However, from what I've seen the coaches' kid (not on the poll) looks like he might be able to assume Reyna's role.

 

I had the original poll options with about 20 options and yes it included Bradley. Unfortunately 10 choices is all the poll is allowed to have. Fantastic match going on so far. Bocanegra with the captains armband on and Deuce is on the loose.

Oh and getting back on topic. I get to watch Adu all the time out here in Salt Lake City and Altidore has so much more potential than Adu. Plus he has size. You can't teach that.

 

Funny AND true I voted Altidore before I even read that.

 

In my opinion our most talented player in the national team is still Dempsey. Has touch, size, good tackling ability and has a decent shot. Didn't really perform as well as he would of liked against China, but he will take the gimme goal.

 

Just because Dempsey and Onyewu have both played in the World Cup before doesn't mean that they can not be the next star or leader if you will for the national team. Do you believe they have shown all that they have for the national team or there is still another level that they can take their game? I believe there is more there. They are both young players and could be the face of US soccer quite soon. Especially if they perform well abroad. I wasn't just referring to those who are flying below the radar or are on the U20's.

In reference to Eddie Johnson. You don't become a star simply because you earn a few caps for the national team. He was simply a blimp on the radar thus far. He has loads of potential and seems to be hitting top form as of late. Again, he is not a star yet and when I refer to star I would compare them to what Eto'o means to Cameroon, Drogba to the Ivory Coast or Essien to Ghana.

If the poll would allow I was going to post roughly 15-20 choices so I just deleted the last 5-10 options which had the likes of Lee Nguyen, Bradley and Davies.

Rossi is still quite young and I think he will realize sooner rather than later that he will not be in the Azzuri's starting XI anytime soon. His best bet for gaining caps would be with the US.

 

Rossi...hmm....if that guy is as good as people say...then if he decides to come and sport the red,white, and blue...he better be as good as advertised....for players that fight and work their tails off to get a look...he just better use his skills to show off.......and watching highlights of Johnson....i wouldnt give up on him yet..he needs a good year in MLS (so far so good) and test the markets elsewhere next year.....

 

For the sake of everyone else reading this thread, please realize that those listed options were not the only options...Bradley, Lee Nguyen, DeMerrit, Davies and a laundry list of others were on there as well.

The forum only allows for 10 options so I just deleted the last 5-10 choices.

How about Eddie Johnson tonight as well. Second straight game with a hat trick. Caught my attention.

 

Give Altadoor another season of mentoring by Angel and he'll be the star we need to compete for a top four finish in 2010.

 

A top four finish...that is a tall ask. Making it to the semi final of the World Cup would be the biggest achievemnt the USMNT has ever made and while I think we will assuredly approve over the embarassing showing in Germany, a semi final appearance is probably not in the cards.

Altidore is looking sharp and improving with the Red Bulls. They have a potent attack and he has been in the right place at the right time to put a goal in the back of the net a few times this season. I doubt by 2010 he will be the one to lead the attack for the yanks in South Africa, but he will be in the mix.

 

Unless you are one of the powers on World Soccer, which the US is NOT, it is very difficult for me to believe realistic statements that the top four is possible in as early as 2010. I can't make any such claim until at least I see the draw and who is in the US's group.

Also, a lot can happen both positively and negatively in the next three years for the USMNT. I would love a semi-final appearance, but let's get through the Gold Cup and Copa America this summer before we start even mentioning where the team will finish in 2010.

 

The logic behind this poll is who will essentially be the new leader of the side, not who has hit their top level and can't improve their game anymore.

I guess there just seems to be a discrepancy in the wording of the post. Again, the options listed were not the only ones that I wanted on the poll. I will not attempt to convince you of the possibility of Dempsey and Onyewu still emerging as possible stars, because it just seems that I am "beating a dead horse". I've already made the comparison with several African teams and their stars, so I won't attempt to reach for anymore examples.

McCarty is a sound player. Dallas has repeatedly been on television and I just can't seem to escape watching them play. The only plus side to this forced exposure to FC Dallas is Dax, Moor and Cooper's. They are bright spots on the team and continue to improve.

 

If Rossi doesn't want to play for the USA, I say fuck 'im.

Though it's admittedly a small sample size, I've been very impressed by what I've seen of Feilhaber thus far. If he actually gets a chance to play significant minutes for HSV, he could turn out to be awfully good.

 

I second or third that...whichever was next to agree. Benny shows a lot of talent and maturity for his age. He is adapting to the international game well and Hamburg would be well served to play Benny rather than letting him warm the bench.

 

Definately, he needs to play in some big games. Even though it was against China, that run he made out of the midfield and the cheeky finish (combined with his solid box to box performance) was impressive.

I agree on sending Benny to the first team for Hamburg. Either that, or they should loan him out somewhere where he will see some playing time.

 

The only reason I think a top 4 finish is possible (not necessarily likely, but as possible as our 2002 finish) is because we won't be playing in Europe. The UEFA teams don't perform as well away from home and the US MNT tends to do better against Latin and Asian teams.

I like Altidoor because, from what I've seen, he combines good physical attributes (size, speed, etc.) with an ability to play with his back to the net. Angel's mentoring will teach him timing and space, two things that, combined with the higher quality passing we're seeing now, will result in goals.

 

Altidore already has loads of pace and does quite well on the ball, but what I would hope he would learn from Angel is the ability to stay composed in the box or when pressure arises.

Angel has an amazing ability to stay calm and finish well in the box, an ability that so many times evades strikers. If Altidore can mesh that composure with his already impressive abilities the sky is the limit.