2. Tyler Adams
Because of his wretched his injury issues that are an increasing concern for both his short-term availability and long-term career trajectory, it is easy to forget just how capable a footballer Tyler Adams is.
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But the 21-year-old made his Champions League debut this week for RB Leipzig, becoming the fourth-youngest American to feature in the knockout stages of the competition in the process, and is keen to reclaim what was a regular starting role in the heart of a midfield challenging for the Bundesliga title.
Under the brilliant Julian Nagelsmann, who has crafted a superb team at Leipzig and is renowned for his player development and tactical acumen, if Adams can simply stay fit and enjoy a good run of games, he might yet develop into the elite central midfielder that he has always hinted at becoming.
Like McKennie, he still needs to settle into a true position — this may well end up being at the base of the midfield in a destructive number six role — but his overall aptitude for the game, athletic skill, technical quality, and improving positional discipline comprise quite the player, one who the USMNT should be building upon at every turn.