Even by January camp standards, this U.S. men’s national team group feels different. Those that follow the U.S. know what these camps are like. They’re almost always exclusively MLS-based, and they’re almost always a chance for two or three players to take a leap forward. For the others in the squad, it’ll be a good experience, but not one that will rock the boat with the main group.
This year’s camp, though, isn’t entirely focused on identifying talent for that main group. Instead, it’s something of a hybrid: a mix of USMNT contributors and Olympic hopefuls with an eye on Paris later this year.
It can be seen in the roster selection. A total of 14 players have been in a USMNT camp for the first time, while a total of 16 of the 21 players will be seeking their first senior caps on Saturday against a Slovenia team also loaded with young, on-the-fringes talent.
“In general, before the day’s over I’d expect probably 13, 14 players to make their debut,” said USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter. “So it’s going to be a nice afternoon for a lot of guys and they deserve it after a strong camp.”
He added: “The first thing is, winning is important. That’s who we are. That’s what we represent as a national team. Coming to terms with that, for some of the younger players to feel the pressure and have to go out there and perform and get a victory, I think is an important psychological barrier that we need to overcome.”
So what younger players should viewers keep an eye on, and which players will be hoping to break into the main USMNT group going forward? GOAL has you covered with a closer look at the players to watch during Saturday’s friendly vs Slovenia.