INTERNATIONAL SPORTS · 1 year ago

Team USA: Ranking the Top 5 USMNT Players for Copa America 2024

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Tim Weah
The United States Men’s National Team does not have a lot of players who can scare an opponent with one-on-one pace. One of the few true speed demons is Tim Weah. His pace and ability to beat an opponent by driving the ball into the box are key to facilitating the United States attack. He really prevents the United States from becoming too static and from relying exclusively on Christian Pulisic or set-piece goals. Weah did not have a great season for Juventus but has proven production with the USMNT and will continue to be a key facilitator and creator for the US forwards, whoever ends up starting and coming off the bench at striker.

USA (-390) vs. Bolivia
1. Christian Pulisic
Many pundits have attempted to pass the torch from Christian Pulisic to other United States Men’s National Team members. Players like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah have all been lauded at one time or another as new leaders of the Stars and Stripes. However, the most critical player for the national team's success remains Pulisic. The attacker flourished at AC Milan this season, producing 12 goals and eight assists in a successful campaign for the prestigious Italian club. He is the United States’ leading scorer and uses his dribbling ability and creative mind to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. In addition, opposing defenses have to focus on Pulisic and often shift multiple defenders his way to try and mark him out of the match. An in-form Pulisic offers the United States their best chance at making an impact in this tournament.

Golden Boot Odds: Christian Pulisic (+4200)
2. Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams had an injury-plagued and disappointing season with Bournemouth in the English Premier League but remains an indispensable United States Men’s National Team member. The central midfielder is the anchor of the US team, and his ability to cover the middle of the pitch and aid the central defense (often the US’ weakest spot) is critical to success. Adams is excellent at distributing from his central position and does a fantastic job of controlling the tempo for the squad. As he showed against Mexico recently in the Nations League final, Adams is also very capable of scoring. His health and form are essential to watch as the US begins Copa America group play this month.

USMNT Odds to Win Group C: +145
3. Antonee Robinson
The United States has significant questions at the back. Right back Sergino Dest looked more like himself during the season with PSV but injured his knee and will miss the tournament. Center back has long been an issue, which is still the case heading into the 2024 Copa America competition. Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are the likely candidates to battle for starting spots in central defense, but none of those options will fill anyone with great optimism. That makes left back Antonee “Jedi” Robinson all the more important. The Fulham mainstay provides excellent pace and an attacking threat down the left flank. Still, it has improved his defensive solidity and turned him into an excellent all-around option at left back. In a defense full of questions, Robinson stands out as an answer.

USMNT Odds to Reach the Final: +500
4. Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie had a highly disappointing domestic campaign with Juventus. He failed to score and rarely impacted the field from his midfield position. Nevertheless, McKennie is a critical piece for the US squad. Manager Gregg Berhalter would love to recreate the “MMA” midfield of Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, and getting McKennie into form will go a long way towards determining whether or not the USMNT can take advantage of the relatively weak group they were drawn into. McKennie is a do-everything midfielder who complements the more defensive Adams. When they are both on, it gives the US a strong midfield spine to work from.

USMNT Odds to Win 2024 Copa America: +1400
5. Tim Weah
The United States Men’s National Team does not have a lot of players who can scare an opponent with one-on-one pace. One of the few true speed demons is Tim Weah. His pace and ability to beat an opponent by driving the ball into the box are key to facilitating the United States attack. He really prevents the United States from becoming too static and from relying exclusively on Christian Pulisic or set-piece goals. Weah did not have a great season for Juventus but has proven production with the USMNT and will continue to be a key facilitator and creator for the US forwards, whoever ends up starting and coming off the bench at striker.

USA (-390) vs. Bolivia
1. Christian Pulisic
Many pundits have attempted to pass the torch from Christian Pulisic to other United States Men’s National Team members. Players like Gio Reyna, Folarin Balogun, and Tim Weah have all been lauded at one time or another as new leaders of the Stars and Stripes. However, the most critical player for the national team's success remains Pulisic. The attacker flourished at AC Milan this season, producing 12 goals and eight assists in a successful campaign for the prestigious Italian club. He is the United States’ leading scorer and uses his dribbling ability and creative mind to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. In addition, opposing defenses have to focus on Pulisic and often shift multiple defenders his way to try and mark him out of the match. An in-form Pulisic offers the United States their best chance at making an impact in this tournament.

Golden Boot Odds: Christian Pulisic (+4200)

Team USA: Ranking the Top 5 USMNT Players for Copa America 2024

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