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USMNT: Five youngsters who could turn Gold Cup heartache into World Cup success

By Chris Smith

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 07: USA head coach Gregg Berhalter looks on during the CONCACAF Gold Cup final match between the United States and Mexico on July 07, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 07: USA head coach Gregg Berhalter looks on during the CONCACAF Gold Cup final match between the United States and Mexico on July 07, 2019, at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. (Photo By Daniel Bartel/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 05: Damion Lowe #17 of Jamaica dribbles the ball against Josh Sargent #19 of the United States in the first half during an International Friendly at Audi Field on June 5, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 05: Damion Lowe #17 of Jamaica dribbles the ball against Josh Sargent #19 of the United States in the first half during an International Friendly at Audi Field on June 5, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

3. Josh Sargent

Josh Sargent desperately needs to play more games for Werder Bremen, we know. But with Jozy Altidore now 29 and struggling with fitness this year, and Gyasi Zardes clearly incapable of leading the line on his own at an international level, maybe it’s time for the kid to be thrown into the deep end.

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Sargent is no stranger to the big stage and already has two goals in seven USMNT caps, while his strike rate of nine goals in 22 games for Werder Bremen’s senior and development teams is not to be ignored. But, more importantly, he looks like he could be a far more complete footballer than any centre-forward the USA has seen in recent years.

Look at all the top nations in world football right now. France have Antoine Griezmann, England have Harry Kane, Brazil have Roberto Firmino. They’re all very different strikers in their own right but all share a common trait: they’re brilliantly adept at linking play.

Already, even with his limited minutes, Sargent is showing all the touch, quick passing and turns of a natural at the international level. Throwing him into the senior side and trusting him could provide him with the platform needed to reach the next stage in his development, as well as send a message to Werder Bremen that, hey, this kid needs to play!

Speculative? Maybe so, but Berhalter will have to force the hand of a few European clubs if he is to get the best out of his young stars.

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