USMNT: Top 5 bloomers to watch for 2022 World Cup

Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT are preparing for the 2022 World Cup, even this far in advance. But who are the young bloomers who could make a run at the roster? Here is the top five.

The U.S. Men’s National Team is developing an increasing quantity and quality of players than ever before. Soccer is a young sport in America and there is reason to believe that the quality of development would improve over time, but at present, the young systems around the country are producing some of the most talented players in USMNT history. So, of these vastly talented young prospects, which can make a late run at the 2022 World Cup roster?

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Here are the top five young bloomers.

5. Ulysses Llanez

Ulysses Llanez made his senior debut for the USMNT earlier this year. When the USA hosted Costa Rica in January, Gregg Berhalter selected a team that could form the basis of the under-23 side for the upcoming Olympics. Llanez was a key part of that system, scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

Playing on the left-wing, Llanez was busy and dangerous. He is a terrific dribbler, boasts explosive speed, and is frightening for defenders in one-on-ones. His national team debut comes off the back of a tremendous season in the Wolfsburg youth system.

Llanez has played 16 games for the Wolfsburg under-19s. Remarkably, he has 11 goals and six assists and has played all across the front line, on the right-wing, left-wing and in behind the centre-forward. Llanez is an emerging young star in the Bundesliga and he might just sneak his way into Berhalter’s thinking.