The USA's run in South Africa is over. The depression has begun to wear off, so I thought I'd do what every good US soccer fan must do: look ahead to the next World Cup. I love how the very moment the World Cup ends, the build up for the next one begins. We can expect to see players like Landon Donovan, Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, Maurice Edu, and Tim Howard again in 2014, but there will be without a doubt a number of new faces heading to Brazil. Here's five young players to keep an eye on in the coming years.
1. Mikkel Diskerud
Every US Soccer fan's favorite Norwegian-American is only 19 years old and has already won himself starting position on a club in Europe. I really would've liked to seen Mikkel "Mix" Diskerud get a look at the Men's team before the World Cup. Even though he's just a teenager, there are not many Americans who can say they start for a European club. Mix is a dynamic midfielder in the Iniesta mold who is dangerous both as a passer and goal scorer. He gained valuable experience playing with his Norwegian club Stabaek in the Champions League last season against David Villa and Spanish giants Valencia. I'm hoping Mix gets a call up within the next year. 2. Omar Gonzales
The LA Galaxy defender is the best young America centerback in the MLS. The 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year has taken his game to another level in his second season as a professional. I watched the Mexican-American play recently for LA and the kid just dominated. Gonzales has the size at 6'4 to dominate in the air and the athleticism to stay with faster defenders. The former Maryland Terp is learning how to be solid pro playing next to one of the best centerbacks America has ever produced in Gregg Berhalter. US Soccer showed they saw a lot of potential in Gonzales when he was called into the USMNT camp for the Honduras friendly this past January. If the 21-year-old keeps playing the way he's been playing this season he'll be my MLS defender of the Year. In 2014, I'd expect Gonzales to be playing in Europe at age 24 and be well acclimated to playing for the national team. 3. Edgar Castillo
Edgar Castillo may have switched his allegiance over to the United States too late to get a real shot at making the US squad for 2010, but I expect the 23-year-old to be in the thick of things in the next cycle. The explosive left back is an extremely exciting player to watch with his ability to attack opponents with his speed. The New Mexico born footballer made one appearance for the United States in a friendly against Denmark, but played at left midfield instead his usual place in the defense. The Club America product will play his soccer on loan with Mexican club San Luis this season. If Castillo can improve his defending then I can see him being seriously considered at left back by 2014.
4. Mike Grella
Although Mike Grella didn't garner buckets of attention in his first season playing abroad, the former Duke Blue Devil solidified himself on a very good Leeds United team. When The Whites gave Grella a chance to play during the season the 23-year-old didn't disappoint. Grella notched five goals in limited playing time. Leeds will be playing in The Championship next year in England, and hopefully that will give the young American some more valuable experience. Now that Leeds has sold goal machine Jermaine Beckford to Everton it might give Grella an increase in playing time. Most US fans expect Jozy Altidore and Charlie Davies to be starting at the forward position for the Yanks in 2014, but after those two players the position is pretty wide open.
5. Brek Shea
In his third year in MLS, Brek Shea is finally showing his potential. The FC Dallas youngster has settled into playing on the wing, nailing three impressive goals thus far this season and tallying one assist. The kid obviously has all the physical tools, but need to continue his development steadily if he wants to earn a place on the national team. I've been impressed not only by his ability to go at defenders, but by his accurate crossing. In the past their had been rumors about clubs like Manchester United and Fulham being interested in Shea. A good season or two in MLS could help him punch his ticket to Europe before the next World Cup rolls around.
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