The US and the state of the union
AFTER missing out on qualification for the 2018 World Cup, the US enter the 2022 World Cup with a new-look, young and talented side.
Gone are the days when the Stars and Stripes only had a handful of players in respected European teams and when they were overly reliant upon former captains Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey to pull the strings up front.
Prior to missing out on the 2018 World Cup, the US had a decent record in World Cups in the modern age.
Bar a poor group stage exit in 2006, they made it to the quarter-finals in 2002 before last-16 exits followed in both 2010 and 2014.
On paper, the US have arguably the most technically gifted group of players that they are taking to a World Cup and they will be hoping for a run to the quarter-finals.
However, navigating out of their group will not be easy given that they are pitted against England, Wales and may also have a tough game against Iran.
Here, Eshlin Vedan looks at three players who will be vital for the US in the World Cup.
Tim Ream
At 35 years old, Ream is one of the oldest players in the US team.
He has been in good form this season for Fulham in the Premier League.
If Ream and Aleksandar Mitrovic can maintain their good form, the Cottagers can even aim for an impressive top half finish in England when their aim at the start of the season would have just been to avoid relegation.
Ream will likely start at the centre of defence for the US and while not the flashiest of players, he will be vital if the team are to stop opposition attacks effectively.
Christian Pulisic
Pulisic has not been having the best of times with Chelsea in England but he will still play a key role for the US in the World Cup and probably be the team’s focal point in attack.
The reigning and three-time US Player of the Year, Pulisic has a good record at international level with 21 goals in 52 games.
The Pennsylvania-born player is capable of scoring against any team on his good days and despite still only being 24, he has already been hailed as one of the greatest US attacking players of all time.
Tyler Adams
Since taking charge of the US team in 2018, coach Gregg Berhalter has opted for a rotating captaincy strategy and has not had a full-time captain.
According to reports, Leeds United’s Adams could captain the team in Qatar. Should this happen, it would be a strong show of faith in the 23-year-old.
A former first-team regular for RB Leipzig in Germany, Adams moved to Leeds at the start of the season and has quickly become a first-team regular for the Premier League team.
While Leeds have struggled this season and could still face a relegation battle, Adams has been one of their best players.
He has proven value for money so far for the Whites as far as finding a replacement for Kalvin Phillips, who they lost to Manchester City.