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A look at uncapped players that could earn call-ups to USMNT January camp

Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports
Photo by Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports

January is a time to start new. It’s a new year, a new chance, one that many look at as a starting point to set the tone for the year ahead. The same could be said for the U.S. Men’s National Team, whose annual January camp has become a starting point for several international careers.

The 2017 January camp is particularly interesting because it will signal the start of the new regime. Following Jurgen Klinsmann’s departure, Bruce Arena steps into the fold and brings with him a whole new set of ideas on how the USMNT will operate. January offers the first look at what the U.S. will look like under Arena 2.0, adding more intrigue to what is usually a launching pad for domestic-based prospects.

Arena has already hinted at several players that will be introduced to the fold to start 2017. Veterans like Dax McCarty, Benny Feilhaber and DaMarcus Beasley are set to be welcomed back. Newcomers like Keegan Rosenberry, Walker Zimmerman and Kekuta Manneh are set for a taste of senior team action. Still, there’s plenty of room left on the roster, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Arena use the annual camp to give several uncapped prospects a look.

With that in mind, here are some additional new faces that could earn a look in January:

SEBASTIAN LLETGET

The first option is likely the most obvious one: Sebastian Lletget. The LA Galaxy midfielder obviously has a history with Arena, who coached the 24-year-old for two seasons upon his move to MLS. There’s a level of familiarity there, and Arena obviously knows just how versatile Lletget can be.

With the ability to play either out wide or centrally, Lletget is a valuable piece for the chaos that is January camp. There’s certainly spots open out wide, and the lack of true wing options would likely see Lletget deployed on the outside. Questions remain over whether Lletget can match the speed of the international game, but his play with the Galaxy over the past two seasons has more than merited a look.

CRISTIAN ROLDAN

Arena stated his admiration for Cristian Roldan in the lead up to the MLS Cup and, like many that have followed the Seattle Sounders star, the USMNT boss has seen a noted growth in his game. Originally a more attacking midfielder, Roldan became a key defensive piece for the MLS Cup champions. Roldan slotted right next to Osvaldo Alonso throughout the Sounders’ stretch run, and his work-rate and defensive chops proved vital for the team’s run.

Roldan still has much to learn. New to the holding position, Roldan’s instincts and Alonso’s guidance helped get the midfielder through a wonderful season, but one would expect him to develop even further as he continues to adjust to a deeper role. Look for that development to continue at January camp as Roldan is one of the more likely call-ups.

TOMMY MCNAMARA

Tommy McNamara’s international future remains a mystery. Eligible for both the U.S. and Ireland, McNamara has options, and it may come down to which nation chooses to give him a legitimate chance first. Given his efforts with NYCFC this past season, he’s certainly earned one.

The 25-year-old had five goals and nine assists this past season, an impressive haul for a player primarily featuring on the wing. Since his move to NYCFC, McNamara has been a revelation, scoring beautiful goals while displaying creativity and flair unseen from most American prospects. Technically, McNamara has the chops for the international game and, while his pace may never blow anyone away, he could blossom into a valuable contributor to whatever national team he ends up representing.

JUSTEN GLAD

The youngest of the bunch, Justen Glad grew up in 2016. The 19-year-old defender became an integral part of the Real Salt Lake backline throughout this past season, making 28 appearances after making just seven in 2015. He still has growing to do, especially when it comes to filling out his lanky frame, but Glad’s height and confidence allow him to play much bigger than he seems.

Glad has been a frequent call-up for the U.S. youth teams, and January camp always seems to be a good time to give the most successful youth products a taste of the senior team. With younger centerbacks like John Brooks and Matt Miazga out of the picture for January, Glad would do well to learn from some USMNT vets ahead of a season that could see him push for more looks with the senior team.

KELYN ROWE

It looks like the USMNT will be in need of wing depth in January. With players like Christian Pulisic, Bobby Wood, Fabian Johnson and Lynden Gooch all elsewhere, Arena could take the opportunity to get a look at several MLS-based wingers. One example? Kelyn Rowe, a player that has quietly put together a solid MLS resume.

Rowe is a player that can feature all over the field, and he did just that this season for the New England Revolution. At points, Rowe played everywhere besides goalkeeper and centerback, with his primary home being out wide. Just 24-years-old, Rowe has battled with inconsistency throughout his time with the Revs but his versatility makes him worth a look in January, especially if Arena is in need of both central and wide midfielders.

Who would you like to see in January camp? Which uncapped players do you think deserve looks to start 2017?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Arena isn’t going to make any significant changes to the player pool anytime soon. The new guys, whoever they may be, that get introduced in the January camp are more likely to be depth options or potential players for the future.
    I haven’t seen any defensive MLS players who are going to knock-off any of the established USMNT players. Same can be said for the forwards.
    The only potential looks to be at the midfield position…particularly out wide. The new players in MLS I think have the best chance are…..Lleget, Manneh, Delgado & Roldan. They are versatile, have some decent experience, and can potentially fill/back-fill areas that have some concern.

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  2. I think we will see some surprises from Arena. He knows the MLS and its players, and those who played well against the LAG, he will remember. This is how he operated in ’96 when he did his first stint. The player pool he can choose from is 2-3x what it was in ’96. but remember, just because he pulls them in, don’t expect them as a favorite for a MNT spot. Arena is looking for depth and versatility, a player 3rd in a depth chart in a certain position may get the nod for a roster spot as he can play in 2-3 positions equally well. This especially true in defense. In the offense, Arena likes speed at the corners and good crossing. I also am thinking he will be looking for a BIG center forward. Its always been a part of the LAG and DCU setup and he had McBride the first time around (hard to top that) but Jozy A. does not play a lone CF very well. so look for some players who may get a look see for that formation.

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  3. I think Roldan will be one to watch, I can seem him beginning to make a case for his inclusion for WCQ callups after the start of the next MLS season. If he can keep up the level of play he showed at the end of this season I can see him getting some looks at cm.

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  4. Lletget is straightforward, youth NTer, regular player for the new boss. Roldan probably also. Unlikely the rest except maybe Rowe. Most of the “fresh blood” is going to be people like Nagbe and Feilhaber and the like who are known and should have been in the team already. I can’t see a wild experimentation with one friendly to work with before a string of important qualifiers to change our chances.

    I could see a more experimental team for the Gold Cup, where they get the players for most of a month, and you can more thoroughly integrate and test new ideas.

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  5. It would be great if the USMNT could pull a new player or two that could contribute but I wouldn’t count on it. LeftBack and DefensiveMid stop gap that can distribute are needed and not seeing those in the list

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  6. Patrick Mullins and Taylor Kemp. We need depth at both left back and striker. I am not sure they are at that level, but both should be in the January camp.

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