Predicting what US national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann is going to do is kind of like throwing darts blindfolded. But let's do it anyway, because it is that time of year when Klinsmann must make some decisions about whom to call in for the January camp and the upcoming friendlies away to Chile (Jan. 28) and home against Panama (Feb. 8).
We know that the likes of Lee Nguyen and Gyasi Zardes are almost assured of being on the list, but here are a few other MLS players I suggest Klinsi consider.
Steve Birnbaum, D.C. United
Let's be honest: Klinsmann is exploring his options at center back (see: Jermaine Jones experiment). And although Birnbaum is just a recently graduated rookie, the 23-year-old center back showed he's got enough pace, tactically aware, and competitive fire to be an option that should be explored.
Andrew Farrell, New England Revolution
Forget his largely forgettable performance in the MLS Cup Final. Farrell, as the speed, strength, and footskills to hold his own at right back. What he needs now is the knowhow and understanding of the more sophisticated international game, which a few weeks in SoCal could definitely help provide.
Matt Hedges, FC Dallas
Not only is the FCD captain one of the most tactically sound American center backs today, but he's a leader, something I value highly in a center back.
Baggio Husidic, LA Galaxy
Huh? you might ask. Well, I'm thinking out side the box here. The 27-year-old has smooth ballskills, the awareness to pop up in very useful places at opportune times, and a never-rattled demeanor. If Klinsmann wants players who lift their games to the level of their competition, Husidic is a natural.
Perry Kitchen, D.C. United
Since turning pro in 2011, the 22-year-old holding midfielder has put in more minutes than any other field player in MLS except Jeff Larentowicz and Bobby Boswell. He's steady and rarely makes mistakes (and he puts his hand up when he does). With Kyle Beckerman's presumed bow out and Jones's aforementioned shift to defense, the holding position appears up for grabs on the USMNT.
Dillon Powers, Colorado Rapids
Almost 24, Powers has the strength, vision, and tactical awareness to be a midfield general. He's could be another Michael Bradley but with more natural aptitude for playing that high central midfield positon that Klinsmann insists Bradley play.
Luis Robles, New York Red Bulls
This is a no-brainer, if you ask me. Robles, 30, has been one of the most consistent and unshakeable goalkeepers in MLS for the past two years. Tim Howard's sabbatical and Nick Rimando's age mean Klinsmann needs to find a few more options to back up Brad Guzan over the next few years.
Chris Schuler, Real Salt Lake
He's 27, 6'4", and has five year's pro experience. When he's healthy and confident, the 6-foot-4 center back can play with anyone, and given the competition I anticipate at that position for the US, he's got a shot. But it's now or never.
Tony Tchani, Columbus Crew SC
After bouncing around and going in and out of various coaches' starting lineups, Tchani finally found a home in the Crew SC midfield under Gregg Berhalter. (He also became a US citizen in 2013.) In the mold of a Jermaine Jones, he's got great size (6'4"), a box-to-box engine, and the skill and vision to turn in six assists in 2014.
Wil Trapp, Columbus Crew SC
Like with Kitchen, we can no longer call the 21-year-old holding midfielder a star of the future. He is very much of the present with Crew SC. Now, with the Olympics just 18 months away, it's time for Trapp to be a full-fledged part of the program.
