The preparations for the U-20 World Cup in May continue this week as 25 players assemble in London for a week-long training camp led by head coach Tab Ramos.
European-based players Danny Barbir, Sebastian Des Pres, Emmanuel Sabbi, James Murphy, Mukwelle Akale, Stephen Paybe and Justin Vom Steeg join a group of players based in the United States to complete the 25-man squad that will all have a chance to impress Ramos.
“This camp provides one more opportunity for players we have already seen with the U-20 National Team and also players who have done well with our U-19 National Team,” Ramos said. “We will be able to see players in highly competitive environments playing against very good competition.”
Of the 25 players called in by Ramos, 10 are making their first appearance in a U20 camp while six return from the team that won the CONCACAF U-20 crown.
“All players coming in to this camp have the potential to make our U-20 World Cup final squad, Ramos said. “I am sure that there will be a few players who will be selected for the U-20 World Cup based on their performance at this camp.”
Here’s a closer look at the roster:
GOALKEEPERS: Jonathan Klinsmann (University of California; Newport Beach, Calif.), JT Marcinkowski (Georgetown University; Alamo, Calif.), Brady Scott (De Anza Force; Petaluma, Calif.), Justin Vom Steeg (Fortuna Dusseldorf; Santa Barbara, Calif.)
DEFENDERS: Hugo Arellano (LA Galaxy; Norwalk, Calif.), Danny Barbir (West Bromwich Albion F.C.; Allentown, Pa.), Marcello Borges (University of Michigan; Kearny, N.J.), Aaron Herrera (University of New Mexico; Casa Grande, Ariz.), John Nelson (Internationals SC; Medina, OH), Keaton Parks (Plano, Texas; Unattached), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC; Arlington, Mass.), Brandon Terwege (FC Dallas; Highland Village, Texas)
MIDFIELDERS: Mukwelle Akale (Villarreal CF; Minneapolis, Minn.), Collin Fernandez (Chicago Fire; Bridgeview, IL), Jeremiah Gutjahr (Indiana University; Bloomington, IN), Djordje Mihailovic (Chicago Fire; Bridgeview, Ill.), James Murphy (Sheffield Wednesday F.C.; Scotch Plains, N.J.), Yosef Samuel (Bethlehem Steel FC; Atlanta, Ga.), Eryk Williamson (University of Maryland; Alexandria, Va.)
FORWARDS: Sebastien Des Pres (Blackpool FC; San Diego, Calif.), Felipe Hernandez (Swope Park Rangers; Murfreesboro, Tenn.), Lagos Kunga (Atlanta United FC, Tucker, Ga.), Stephen Paybe (Estoril Praia; Birmingham, Ala.), Emmanuel Sabbi (UD Las Palmas; Columbus, OH), Mason Toye (PDA, South Orange, N.J.)
Agree about Nelson. In U17 WC I thought he was second only to C. Pulisic in his consistently impactful play, despite never being one of the names touted.
John Nelson has been impressive every time he played for the nats. While he has yet to finish HS, I would not be at all surprised if he makes the squad. He is a natural at left back with outstanding instincts, great positioning and the ability to get forward into the attack.
This seems to be a chance for US based amateurs to stay sharp and for some fringe euro guys to get a look. I still think it’s a tough road for Nelson to make the squad but the more looks he gets the more chances he has to make it.
Speaking of the Scalke trio. Haji Wright scored his 10th goal for the u19 team.
Gary, Pulisic is a full MNT player now. He is no longer in consideration for the youth tourneys.
Ivan and the next person that was going to say why doesn’t Tab rate player A, most of these guys are with their clubs and there is no international window so they are not released. If you notice a majority of these guys are college players, high school players or unattached. A few play for youth squads that aren’t in any youth level championship race so they have been made available. There aren’t even any official games on the U20 schedule this week so its just practice. Hopefully, some of the US based players will get to train in front of some Euro scouts at least.
Where’s Tim Weah? Is he switching allegiances to France?
I wish we could get all our best players together for this tourney. Guys like CCV, Pulisic, Haji Wright, et al. I think we could put together a pretty awesome team with a chance to maybe make the semis.
The center back pool for this age group has some pretty unbelievable potential.
Akale is the one that I hope gets a chance in May, highly thought of at Villarreal
I was hoping to see Josh Perez get an opportunity, but Tab doesn’t appear to rate him too highly.
Perez is on the fringe of first team just like the schalke trio, they probably weren’t release by their clubs