Borussia Dortmund starlet Christian Pulisic was named to the roster, as expected, and he was joined by fellow youngsters Julian Green, who impressed during recent friendlies, and Lynden Gooch. Familiar faces such as Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones also made the squad, but Clint Dempsey was ruled out for the remainder of the year with an irregular heartbeat.
Also back in the team is forward Aron Johannsson, who has been riddled with hip injuries since making his debut in 2013. The Werder Bremen front man has been a favorite of Klinsmann’s when healthy.
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Here are the team’s X-factor’s heading into Friday’s game against Mexico:
Christian Pulisic — It will be interesting to see if Pulisic, 18, earns the start with Dempsey still out. Pulisic is arguably the USMNT’s most creative midfield player that can also float out to the wing. He has two goals and four assists in eight German Bundesliga games so far this season.
John Brooks — A towering, physical presence in the box, Brooks was horrendous last year during the Gold Cup, but he redeemed himself with an MVP-like performance this summer during Copa America Centenario. With center back partner Geoff Cameron injured, Brooks will be the leader of the defense.
Sacha Kljestan — The tricky midfielder has infused a mixture of energy and calmness into the squad since being re-appointed earlier this year. The 31-year-old is good with the ball at his feet, which allows him to dictate tempo. He knows when to slow it down or speed things up depending on the defensive set up in front of him.
Julian Green — After dazzling fans with a gutty performance off the bench against Belgium during the 2014 World Cup, Green disappeared from the national scene as his club career floundered. Now, after scoring twice in friendlies this fall, Green is poised to add a spark to this team against Mexico.
Jozy Altidore — When Altidore is healthy, he’s one of the most dangerous forwards in the world. Blessed with pass and power, he often finds himself in a position to score. Health has been an issue, but he’s in great form now and ready to help the USMNT get back into the World Cup.
