The Top 20 American Soccer Players

In 2010 South Africa will host the World Cup, the greatest sporting event in the world. The United States, despite their woeful performance in 2006, will try to advance into the knockout rounds. In order to do so they will have to rely on a group of players that are improving, but at the moment not considered to be first rate footballers. In an attempt to familiarize football (soccer) fans with the top American players I have created a list that ranks the top 20 American footballers (soccer players).

Bio

Born: 03/04/82

Current Club:Los Angeles Galaxy (Major League Soccer)

Postion: Midfielder/Striker

For most causal observers of American soccer Landon Donovan is most well known for his caustic remarks directed at David Beckham, but for fans of the National team he is much more than that. Donovan, though not successful in Europe, has been a star for the US National team and the MLS (Major League Soccer). His speed, passing efficiency, ability to take players on and deliver goals sets him apart from any American player past or present. In fact he is perhaps the only player on the US team who can change a match through individual brilliance. In the past, his inconsistency on the world stage garnered criticism and the nick name "Landycakes", but lately these voices of dissent have disappeared as Donovan asserts himself both in the MLS and for the National Team. His performance in the Confederations Cup, World Cup qualification and most recently Everton are proof enough that Donovan is the one US player who can not be replaced. As the World Cup beckons, it remains to be seen whether Donovan can continue his progress into the upper echelons of world football, but for now he reigns supreme as the dominant force in the US game.

Bio

Born: 6/03/79

Current Club: Everton FC (Premiership)

Position: Goalkeeper

After Brad Freidel and Kasey Kellar exited the National team some doubted that Tim Howard could make the transition to Number #1. Howard, a star for the New York Metro Stars, was snatched up in 2003, by non other than Sir Alex Ferguson to replace Fabian Bartez. Howard started well, but soon lost form and confidence for United and found himself on loan to Everton. At Everton he found his groove and soon demonstrated the consistency and form that is required of top shelf keepers. Howard quickly solidified his position as Number for the National team and has not looked back since. His athleticism and ball stopping ability are superb and have catapulted him onto a short list of keepers who could reasonably considered as elite.

Bio

Born: 03/09/83

Current Club: Fulham FC (Premiership)

Position: MF/Striker

Clint Dempsey, an enigma for the US National Team, is a player often criticized for uneven performances when donning the National Team kit. The criticism is well founded, for Dempsey can disappear for matches, lose motivation when defending and at time seem downright disinterested. All that being said, there is no greater clutch player for the US. He was the only player to score in the 2002 World Cup and scored crucial goals to push the US through in the Confederation Cup. He is a confident player who can take players on out wide as well as finish when presented opportunities in and around the box. His upbringing, playing with Hispanics in Texas, has produced an atypical US footballer, one who brings some rhythm and creativity to the team. In the Premiership he has been a steady performer for Fulham, both in attack and within the defending scheme of his team. If he can replicate this total effort on the world stage consistently, as he does in the premiership, his stock can only rise in world football.

Bio

Born:6/13/82

Current Club: AC Milan (Series A)

Position: Center Back

Since Onyewu, or "Gooch" as he is referred to by followers of the National Team, won his first cap in 2004, he has solidified himself as the dominant figure in the American back four. He is very strong in the air and has improved considerably when defending on the floor, a vast improvement from the World Cup in 2006, when his one on one defending was brutally exposed. His club career in Belgium was only briefly interrupted by a failed stint at Newcastle, but in fairness to him, Newcastle was in disarray when he arrived. This summer, after a very strong effort in the Confederations Cup, he was signed by AC Milan. Unfortunately, before he could gain traction at AC Milan, he suffered a knee injury in a qualification game against Costa Rica. As of now it is unclear whether he can gain fitness and game sharpness for the World Cup in South Africa. Going to the World Cup without Gooch will be a severe blow to the National Team, something that an already unsteady back four can ill afford.

Bio

Born:05/18/71

Current Club: Aston Villa FC (Premiership)

Position: Goalkeeper

Brad Fridel, retired from the National Team, is still playing at highest level for Aston Villa in the Premiership. His performance in the 2002 World Cup, cemented his position as one of the all time great keepers in US soccer history. Even though he no longer plays for the National team, he can not be denied a place in the top 5. He has been a very consistent perfomer in one of the best leagues in the world for almost a decade. This accomplishment alone grants him a well deserved number five on our list.

Bio

Born: 7/31/87

Current Club: Borussia Monchengladbach (Bundesliga)

Position: Central Midfielder

Michael Bradley is a fighter. Sometimes this mentality hurts him on the pitch because he tries to do to much, but overall his play continues to develop both for the National Team and for his his club in the Bundesliga. He was able to make his way into the starting eleven at Heerverveen (Eredivisie) and eventually to Borussia Monchengladbach, where once again he has fought his way onto the pitch. At the National Team level he has a superb engine and has the ability to cover large swaths of real estate in the middle of the park as well as score the odd goal. When he keeps his game simple and plays the worker rather than the artist he is superb. He, unlike many Americans who go over to Europe, has shown the mental toughness required to consistently crack a European starting eleven. The World Cup in 2010 could prove to showcase his talents and lead to a bigger club back in Europe. He is an integral part of the US team and player who must play well in order for the squad to achieve success.

Bio

Born: 6/25/86

Current Club: Sochaux (League 1)

Position: Striker

Charlie Davies, a relative unknown to the majority of American soccer fans one year ago, is now regarded as the most promising goal scorer on the National Team. After a successful two year stint at Boston College, Davies jumped ship for Hammarby in Sweden where he established himself as a raw and powerful scorer. His performance earned him more attention from Bob Bradley and in 2009 Davies had a breakout performance at the Confederations Cup. His speed, relentless work and budding partnership with debutant Jose Altidore gave the National Team something they hadn't had in a long time, the ability to stretch the field. Davies followed up a terrific performance in South Africa by scoring a goal in qualification at Azteca, a rare feat for an American striker. Unfortunately, prior to the last qualification game against Costa Rica, Davies suffered multiple injuries in an automobile accident. The accident, potentially career threatening, will force Davies to miss the World Cup in South Africa.

Bio

Born:11/6/89

Current Club: Villarreal (La Liga) on loan to Hull City FC (Premiership)

Position: Striker

When Jose Altidore broke into the MLS at age sixteen, he immediately made a difference on the field. So much so, that the prodigy label, once reserved for Freddy Adu, was moved squarely onto Altidore's shoulders. After the U-20 World Cup in Canada, Altidore was bought by Villarreal (La Liga) and quickly crashed down to earth, rarely seeing any time on the field. He was loaned out to Xerez and found things there to be even less hospitable than at Villarreal. Altidore, a man/child or sorts, is powerful and possesses exceptional raw instincts. Since his first call up, he has always been a dangerous player for the National Team. Unfortunately, Altidore's work ethic on the field is somewhat lacking at times. His reliance on natural physical power is not enough against top class competition. During the Confederation Cup, Altidore seemed to gain some traction and confidence when paired with Charlie Davies. Currently, Altidore just completed a loan to Hull City FC, and demonstrated glimpses of ability, but failed to make a consistent impact on the field. His training habits, unfortunately, have been called into question by more than one manager. Overall, Altidore is a very talented player who is still very young. Hopefully, with some success in Europe, he can develop into a top flight striker.

Bio

Born: 5/25/79

Current Club: Stade Rennais (League 1)

Position: Center Back/Left Back

Carlos Bocanegra, captain of the National Team, isn't the fastest player on the field and does not possess the prototypical physical presence associated with center backs. In fact, for his club team in League 1, he plays left back. Bocanegra, even though he wears the captains armband, is a favorite target for disgruntled fans of the National Team. For many he does not seem to dominate at anything. His speed is average, his technical ability serviceable and his one on one defending, at times, borders on desperate. Why then is Bocanegra in the top ten, a player who is constantly a breath away from being left out of the first eleven? Because he is smart. His ability to read the game, settle the team and deliver quality in clutch moments is indispensable to a team that can lose its bearings quickly. In short, he's a leader. With Onyewu potentially out of the World Cup, Bocanegra's versatility will only add to his value as Bob Bradley searches for chemistry and competence on his back line.

Bio

Born: 12/04/79

Current Club: Unattatched, previously with Watford FC (Championship)

Position: Center Back

If there is an "against all odds" story in soccer, DeMerit would be the main character. Leaving college for England, with no offers in his pocket, DeMerit started on a semi professional club only to find himself fours years later scoring the goal that put Watford in the Premiership. Until recently he had not played many minutes for the National Team, but that changed with a solid performance in the Confederation's Cup. DeMerit's run of good form with the National Team must continue in South Africa. He is a honest, passionate, hard tackler who can at times over play and over foul. Hopefully his form will peak in South Africa and his successful partnership with Onyewu will continue.

Bio

Born: 01/19/85

Current Club: AGF Aarhus (Denmark)

Position: Central Midfielder

Benny Feilhaber, for all of his ups and downs in the past two years, possesses a commodity that very few American players possess, the ability to be an artist in the center of the field. Both his passing ability off the first touch and his innate sense of where space is, enables him to penetrate the opposition and create dangerous goal scoring opportunities. In the past few years consistency has eluded Feilhaber, relegating him to the bench, and sometimes completely off the National Team. When confident, free of injury and fit, Feilhaber is a player who can orchestrate dangerous possession. For an athletic team, like the Americans, who are sometimes bereft of quality attacking ideas, Feilhaber will be a very important component in their 2010 World Cup run in South Africa.

Bio

Born: 2/19/79

Current Club: Hanover 96 (Bundesliga)

Position: Right Back

Chernundalo, a fixture for Hanover 96 for over a decade, is known for his ability to get into the attack press against the end line. He is quick and fast, and has been able to handle the rigors of Bundesliga competition despite his diminutive stature (5 "6"). Defensively, at times, he can struggle against larger wingers, but in attack, he is by far the best outside back the National Team has. Lately, as age sets in, Cherundolo has struggled with injury. As of know, he is in the starting eleven at Hanover and is expected to be a big contributor in South Africa.

Bio

Born: 08/01/85

Current Club: Bolton (Premiership)

Position: Attacking Midfielder, Winger

Stuart Holden is on the rise. After a breakout season last year in the MLS, Holden has effectively fought his way onto the Full National Team and rewarded Coach, Bob Bradley, with some quality performances. His ability to cross the ball and keep the attack moving are quickly earning him well deserved contract from Bolton. Of all the American players, Holden just may be the one who uses South Africa 2010 as a stage for greater things.

Bio

Born: 5/10/83

Current Club: Eintract Frankfurt (Bundesliga)

Position: Defensive Midfielder

Ricardo Clark is a tenacious, athletic defensive midfielder who has a knack for slipping into the attack. He can also be an overbearing, mistake prone, time bomb that can blow the team up at any given time. If he can compose himself, balance the midfield and tackle hard Clark has the chance to make a real impact, not only on the National team, but eventually in Europe. His time with the Houston Dynamo is almost certainly over and a transfer to Europe is all but a certainty. Clark's athleticism, tenacity and ability to move into the attacking play will almost certainly give him a more than fair chance at success across the pond.

Bio

Born: 03/01/1986

Current Club: West Ham (Premiership)

Position: Outside Back, Center Back

Jonathan Spector, though not the fastest or quickest player, is a dependable player who can get up and down the flank surprisingly well. During the Confederation Cup in 2009,his ability to hit quality balls into the box led to some crucial goals that contributed to the National team's surprise runner up finish. His lack of quickness for an outside back is somewhat unique for national level player, but for the most part he has managed to overcome this through smart committed play.  He is a versatile, physically strong player who does not shy away from hard tackling, 

Bio

Born: 10/29/87

Current Club: Pachuca (Mexican Primera Division)

Position: Midfielder

At sixteen Jose joined Pachuca and steadily progressed till he was included as a regular in the starting eleven. As a left footed player Jose is a natural fit for the National Team, especially considering that Demarcus Beasley and Bobby Convey are currently way off form. Jose's exposure to Mexican soccer is evident in that he displays a comfort level on the ball that most on the National Team fail to display. Much like Feilhaber, Jose is able to coordinate possession and move the ball in tight spaces. Unfortunately his is very young and can be prone to defending lapses, something that will have to change before Coach Bradley gives him greater opportunity.

Bio

Born: 4/18/86

Current Club: Glasgow Rangers (Scottish Premier)

Position: Midfielder

Maurice bolted for Europe after just one year with Toronto FC of the MLS and has never looked back. Unlike most Americans Maurice was able to force his way onto the playing field despite injuries and his youth displaying a mental toughness that sometimes is lacking in young Americans trying to make it in Europe. He is a committed player who can bring something special on occasion. In South Africa he will be battling both Ricardo Clark and Francisco Torres for the right to play alongside Michael Bradley. Edu's versatility could even land him some spot duty at center back.

Bio

Born: 05/17/1982

Current Club: IK Start (Norway)

Position: Center Back

Clarence, a new figure on the national team, is poised to make an impression in South Africa. After a solid outing in last year's Gold Cup, Clarence established himself as a reputable second choice to DeMerit and Gooch. He is tall (6 "4") and possess strength in the air despite his lanky frame. He has proven to be a hand full on set pieces and seems to have the ability to adjust to the flight of the ball. His positioning in the back is still a work in progress, mostly due to lack of big game experience. Due to injuries to Gooch and DeMerit, Goodson may see much more game action in South Africa then previously thought.

Bio

Born: 05/24/1982

Current Club: Unattatched, Previously with Glasgow Rangers

Position: Winger

Demarcus Beasley, one of the quickest players ever to play for the National Team, is a player who can attack the endline with pace.  His career in Europe started at PSV Eindhoven, where he found a regular spot in the starting eleven.  Unfortunately, after a move to Rangers, his career stalled.  He rarely managed to stay in the lineup due to injury and lack of form.   When at his best he can get behind teams with his pace and quickness.  He has a great engine, but is very slight and gets injured easily.   He crosses a decent ball and does not shy away from taking his chances.  At times, though, he can be totally ineffective, losing his confidence and touch easily.  In a surprise, he was able to resurrect his World Cup ambitions, by impressing Bob Bradley enough to find his way to South Africa.

Bio

Born: 5/24/78

Current Club: Houston Dynamo (Major League Soccer)

Position: Target Forward

Brian Ching is a much maligned component of the US National Team. He is considered by many to be a poor man's McBride, a player who makes an impact on the MLS level, but rarely internationally. Some of this criticism is warranted, but most of it is unfair. Ching is not a flashy player, but rather a player who thrives on physical play, holding the ball and getting himself into dangerous positions in the box. Although not quick, he is dependable and has a great work rate and will battle for any ball played in his direction.