Turning the clock back a yr, it appeared like there weren’t enough in-form forwards on the U.S. Men’s National Team because all hope lay with Folarin Balogun would declare to represent the colours red, white and blue. But now, as the team prepares for the Copa America tournament, which can test its abilities, many of the strikers are in excellent form. Gregg Berhalter has a significant issue when selecting his squad for the tournament.
Balogun should still be a starter for the national team, but it is imperative that he faces the right competition to begin at the top of the field, which he has plenty of. Given the form of the top options, it’s time to have a look at who’s impressing and who’s disappointing in 2024. There’s still time for players to shift into the next gear, but let’s have a look at what the forward pool looks like at once, rating players based on form in 2024
8. Jesus Ferreira, FC Dallas
Statistics: One goal, one assist
With just three games under his belt in 2024, Jesus Ferreira was sidelined for 2 games as a result of injury. As a striker who can create probabilities for others, he may rating goals for club and country on his own. With 21 goals and 15 assists, Ferreira has shown he can do it for the national team, but if he cannot get into shape for Dallas, it’ll be difficult for Berhalter to play him against forwards who are performing higher.
7. Duncan McGuireOrlando City
Statistics: Ttwo goals, one assist
Taking part in the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS competition, Duncan McGuire is making the most of his situation after a failed move to Blackburn Rovers. He has done quite well to this point to begin the MLS season, but as the leader of the U23s, there was so much to be desired in McGuire’s game. A scintillating performance at the Olympics will help him improve his standing in the national team, but it won’t be enough to interrupt into this crowded group.
6. Ricardo Pepi, PSV
Statistics: Three goals
Pepi, fighting for taking part in time at PSV outside the Champions League, could have to make the most of his limited minutes as he rarely gets greater than quarter-hour in a match. This season is intended to serve Pepi’s development in the league Netherlands However, he needs more minutes to enhance his position in the national team.
5. Jordan Pefok and Borussia Moenchengladbach
Statistics: Three goals, two assists
The start of the season for Pefok was slow after moving to Borussia Mönchengladbach, but in 2024 the American striker found his form, which can help the German team climb up the table. It’s been some time since Pefok has featured for the national team, but if he can proceed on his current path, there could also be a probability for a comeback if others fail.
4. Brandon Vazquez, Monterrey
Statistics: Five goals
Since moving to Liverpool he has been scoring goals for fun MonterreyVazquez doesn’t have much else to do but proceed what he’s doing and wait for opportunities. I would not be surprised if he was called as much as the Olympics as an over-the-top option, as it might be good to have a striker of his physicality in Paris, and his performances there’ll make it difficult to maintain Vazquez out of the senior squad.
3. Folarin Balogun, AS Monaco
Statistics: Four goals
Judging by his performances, Balogun needs to be behind Vazquez, but the fact is that his goals are flying Monaco team in Ligue 1 matters. Although Balogun has struggled since moving to Monaco, it is natural for players to take time to get fit at their recent clubs. His performances for the senior team haven’t declined in that point, so until that happens, Balogun’s place in the top eleven is more likely to be protected if he stays fit.
2. Josh Sargent, Norwich City
Statistics: 11 goals
Sargent only scored 14 goals this season and has scored 11 in 2024 as he is not just one of the USMNT’s hottest strikers, but also one of the hottest strikers in the world. Previous injuries to the national team keep Sargent out of big competitions like Concacaf Nations League games, but if he continues to attain goals at this rate, Berhalter will proceed to have him on the radar.
1. Haji Wright, Coventry City
Statistics: nine goals, one assist
Wright, who also scored in the FA Cup as Coventry City reached the semi-finals, had a knack for scoring at crucial moments. Thanks to his two goals in the Nations League defeat of Jamaica, Wright also secured a significant moment for the national team, which can help him stay in Berhalter’s rotation, while also providing flexibility with the opportunity to begin as a substitute on the wing.
Credit : www.cbssports.com
