Touted as the best group of players the United States has ever put on the field, the 23 men that are on their way to Brazil represent the best hope the US has ever had at bringing home the World Cup Trophy. 

If we are to get out of the Group Stage and into the Knockout Round, here's 5 players that will be key in making that happen.

  • Clint Dempsey - Forward

    Captain of this years squad, the Nacogdoches, Texas native is competing in his 3rd World Cup. After spending 6 seasons playing in the English Premier League, Dempsey made a record move back to the US last year to play for the MLS side Seattle Sounders FC.

    Dempsey is known best for is ability to find space anywhere on the field, and his ability to find the back of the net is unparalleled.

    Clint has 37 goals in 105 appearances for the Senior US National Team

    Mike Zarrilli / Getty Images
    Mike Zarrilli / Getty Images
    loading...
  • Tim Howard - Goalkeeper

    The North Brunswick, NJ born net minder is arguably the best goalie the US has ever produced. Leading the Senior National Team in victories, it's no surprise that he is considered one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world.

    Tim made is 100th appearance for the National Team on June 7th in a tune-up match against Nigeria. He is the 15th player all time to reach 100 caps for the team.

    Playing club ball for Everton in the English Premier League, He earned the title of Goalkeeper of the Year in 2004 while playing for Manchester United.

    Mike Zarrilli / Getty Images
    Mike Zarrilli / Getty Images
    loading...
  • Michael Bradley - Midfielder

    Son of former US National Team coach Bob Bradley, the Manhattan Beach, CA native grew up in a soccer household. Making his first appearance for the Senior National Team at just 18, Michael has been the core of the Midfield for the US over the last 8 years.

    Michael has played for some of the most storied clubs in Europe, most recently for Italy's AS Roma. In the off season, He followed fellow US teammate Clint Dempsey back to the MLS, signing with Toronto FC.

    Bradley is the core to the US midfield. His ability to use his killer instincts in attack while using his speed to close down attackers in defense makes him one of the most valuable players on the pitch.

     

    Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
    Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
    loading...
  • Jozy Altidore - Forward

    Josmer Volmy Altidore is the United States most prolific scoring machine of the 2010's. The Boca Raton, FL native has made a career out of finding the back of the net more than anyone.

    But 2014 hasn't been the best for Jozy. After transferring from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to English side Sunderland, he lost the touch that had make him an almost lock for the World Cup team, going 6 months without scoring a goal for Club and Country.  But Jozy never gave up, keeping the faith of coach Jurgen Klinsman. During a tune up match against Nigeria, Jozy broke is scoring drought, netting both goals in the US's 2-1 victory.

    Look for Jozy to play up top of the formation as a lone striker, creating space and scoring from impossible angles.

    Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
    Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
    loading...
  • Jermaine Jones - Midfielder

    Playing in his first World Cup, Jermaine Jones actually started his International career playing for the German U-21 National Team. Never playing for the German Senior team, Jermaine filed a petition to change national teams. The son of a German mother and American father, FIFA granted his petition and Jermaine made his debut for the US National Team in October 2011.

    The defensive minded midfielder is known for his ability to control the pace of the game, allowing the more creative players like Dempsey and Bradley to find ways to beat the opposing teams defenses. When not on the ball, Jones is one of the more physical players on the pitch.

    Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
    Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
    loading...

More From Hot 975