All focus is already turned toward the 2022 FIFA World Cup for U.S. Soccer. After the U.S. Men's National Team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Trinidad & Tobago in October that prevented them from qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Americans are looking down the pipeline for the next wave of talented young players who can lead a resurgence in U.S. Soccer in the coming years.
Goal USA recently named the top 50 Americans in the 2022 FIFA World Cup player pool, based on a "combination of current form and potential." Paul Arriola, Chris Durkin, and Russell Canouse each earned a spot on the list, coming in as the #13, #20, and #41 prospects, respectively.
Arriola had a breakout year with the national team, consistently providing a burst of energy out wide and asserting himself as one of the most promising young American wingers. His ability to finish in front of goal and distribute in the final third make him a versatile asset on the attack, and his pace and willingness to defend impressed on the national stage and in his first matches with United this season.
Durkin also had a standout 2017 on the national stage, helping lead the Baby Nats in the U-17 FIFA World Cup. The 17-year-old has sharpened his craft both as a defensive midfielder and a defender, primarily playing in the central defense during the World Cup but normally featuring as a defensive midfielder with sharp vision. Now, the United Homegrown will look to break through with the Black-and-Red and eventually the senior national team.
After starting his professional career in Europe, Canouse, a former youth national team standout, returned to the U.S. to join the Black-and-Red in August 2017, and has already started turning heads after his first 10 Major League Soccer appearances. The defensive midfielder's work ethic and two-way ability helped bolster United's midfield during the end of 2017. Now, heading into his first full professional season in the United States, Canouse has the potential to break out in MLS and start garnering attention from the USMNT.
