USMNT’s Midfield Imbalance: Can These Young Stars Fix the Problem?
The USMNT’s failure to qualify from the group stage of the Copa América on home soil has sent shockwaves through the soccer world. As the team struggles to find its footing, a solution to their midfield imbalance may lie in the form of some exciting young stars. With the Olympic football tournament kicking off in France, we take a look at some of the emerging talents who could soon fill positions of need for the US before the home World Cup in 2026.
Gianluca Busio: The Goal-Scoring Midfielder
One major positive to come out of the disastrous Copa campaign was the emergence of Folarin Balogun as a genuine top-level threat at the point of attack. And in captain Christian Pulisic, they have a reliable goal threat from wide. But among the midfielders currently at Berhalter’s disposal, there is a stark lack of scoring potential. That problem could be remedied by Gianluca Busio. The 22-year-old from Gainsborough, North Carolina, scored seven goals and provided five assists to help Venezia earn promotion back to Italy’s top flight via the Serie B playoffs.
Tanner Tessmann: The Physical Presence
A Venezia team-mate of Busio, Tanner Tessmann possesses a skillset that could see him not only offer goals in the USMNT midfield makeup but, at 6ft 4ins, a level of physicality Berhalter’s current options can’t match. Able to play as a holding midfielder or slightly higher up in a box-to-box role, Tessmann has demonstrated a calmness in possession and sound defensive instincts across 99 appearances for Venezia.
Gaga Slonina: The Next-Gen Goalkeeper
The US have produced more top-class goalkeepers than any other position over the last 30 years, with the likes of Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, and Tim Howard attaining a level of stardom in European soccer few American outfield players prior to the current generation ever reached. And the position has not been a cause for concern for much of the past four years, ever since Matt Turner emerged to cement his status as the USMNT’s No 1 option between the posts. But Turner fell out of favor at club level with Nottingham Forest last season, and backup Ethan Horvath looked shaky when replacing the injured Turner during the Copa América defeat to Panama.
At the Olympics, Columbus Crew’s 23-year-old shot-stopper Patrick Schulte will have the chance to prove he is ready to compete for the starting spot at senior level. And his second-in-command in France may be an even more promising prospect. Gaga Slonina only turned 20 in May, but already the young goalkeeper has accumulated an impressive degree of first-team experience. He broke through in MLS with the Chicago Fire aged just 17, and after 34 senior appearances, he earned an $11m move to Chelsea in 2022.
Kevin Paredes: The Versatile Winger
The biggest asset Kevin Paredes possesses that should ensure the 21-year-old enjoys a long career at the senior international level is his versatility. With roster numbers limited at major international tournaments, having a high-level player who can operate in multiple positions is a tremendous advantage. And the 21-year-old Wolfsburg youngster offers just that. Fast, dynamic, creative, and hard-working in any role he plays, Paredes is comfortable playing anywhere on the left side of the pitch, be it as a full-back, wing-back, or winger.
Benjamin Cremaschi: The Midfield Maestro
The fact that 19-year-old Benjamin Cremaschi has already locked down a prominent role within the most star-studded and talent-packed rosters in MLS suggests the midfielder has the potential to develop into a star at club and international level in the near future. And the Inter Miami teenager – who holds dual US and Argentinian nationality – has reportedly caught the eye of his most famous team-mate, with Lionel Messi said to have been impressed by the youngster in their time working together.
Caleb Wiley: The Promising Left-Back
Teenage left-back Caleb Wiley is one of the most talked-about players on the Olympic soccer roster due to the news this week that he has signed for Chelsea in an $11m deal. The 19-year-old has already played more than 80 times for Atlanta United, impressing with a positional maturity beyond his years and a level of technical quality that makes him a threat going forward as a scorer and creator.
The Future is Bright
As the USMNT looks to rebuild and find its footing, these young stars could be the answer to their midfield imbalance. With the Olympic football tournament kicking off in France, we’ll be keeping a close eye on their progress. Follow us on all social media platforms for more updates on the USMNT and the future of American soccer.