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USMNT Vs Canada: 5 key players to watch – DeAndre Yedlin returns

By Michael Gergely

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with teammate Miguel Almiron during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St. James Park on November 09, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with teammate Miguel Almiron during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth at St. James Park on November 09, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 06: the United States midfielder Alfredo Morales (15) gets tangled up with Mexico forward Javier Hernandez (14) during the first half of the International Friendly soccer game between the the United States and Mexico on September 6, 2019 at LetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 06: the United States midfielder Alfredo Morales (15) gets tangled up with Mexico forward Javier Hernandez (14) during the first half of the International Friendly soccer game between the the United States and Mexico on September 6, 2019 at LetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. Alfredo Morales

Last time we saw Alfredo Morales, the USMNT were being humbled by Mexico in a 3-0 defeat.

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While Berhalter wasn’t too discouraged by the result, Morales was able to escape some of the fallout from the fans due to his willingness to get stuck in and clean up in a Jermain Jones-esque fashion. His limited distribution has been called into question, but his heart was undoubtedly on display in that long-awaited return.

The 29-year-old midfielder has been playing well for Düsseldorf alongside Zack Steffen this year in the Bundesliga. That is a much higher level than MLS and his club performances merit his inclusion in the squad at the very least.

Moreover, given Bradley’s absence and Weston McKennie’s ability to surge forward, Morales’ intensity and defensive qualities could provide a nice balance to the central midfielder. Berhalter has said ahead of Friday’s game that he expects the USMNT to play with a fire underneath them. For Morales, this fire has been there all along.

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