By Clemente Lisi - NEW YORK, NY (Dec 10, 2009) USSoccerPlayers -- With the start of a new year upon us, it’s worth taking a look at the 10 players who are most likely to stand out in 2010.
In less than a month, the MLS SuperDraft will introduce a majority of fans to a new generation of stars, while the World Cup this summer will put a handful of more seasoned players front and center.Here are the 10 American players to watch in 2010 (in alphabetical order) and the ones likely to make the most noise at the start of this new decade:
1. Jozy Altidore
After helping the United States qualify for South Africa, Altidore will finally get a chance to play at the World Cup. For the 20-year-old striker, the World Cup will be his chance to show everyone he is ready to compete on the biggest stage. He was solid during the Confederations Cup (he scored the first goal in the USA’s 2-0 win over Spain), but may need to get more games at English club Hull City, where he’s been an on again/off again choice, over the next few months if he hopes to be ready this summer.2. Vincenzo Bernardo
This 19-year-old New Jersey native could be playing in MLS this upcoming season after he left Napoli’s youth team just a few weeks ago. An attacking midfielder much like Giuseppe Rossi, Bernardo has played on the US Under-17 and 20 teams and has said he intends on wearing the US shirt as a full international. Originally a player in the NY/NJ MetroStars youth system, Bernardo has stated that he hopes to play domestically this year.3. Charlie Davies
What was the heartbreak story of 2009 could turn into the big comeback tale of 2010. After Davies was injured in a car crash before the US’s World Cup Qualifier against Costa Rica in Washington, DC, he has slowly embarked on the long road back to recovery. He has even said recently that he wants to return in time for the World Cup. It going to be a tough objective for Davies, but one that all US fans hope he can accomplish over the next few months.4. Landon Donovan
He is the one player the US can’t do without at the World Cup. His skills and leadership have made him indispensable over the last few years. As he prepares play in his third World Cup (after 2002 and 2006), Donovan is hoping to bring his A game to South Africa and earn the US at least a second round berth after being pitted in the same group as England, Algeria and Slovenia. Named MLS MVP this past season, he will also try to lead the Los Angeles Galaxy to a league title after falling short this season.5. Luis Gil
Reminiscent of Freddy Adu for his talents and young age, this budding teen is part of a growing list of Americans who could be playing abroad over the next year. Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the US’s youth national team pool, this 15-year-old was a member of the US Under-17 squad this past year (he was the team’s youngest member) and also spent time training with Arsenal’s youth academy. Only time will tell if he’s able to break into the senior squad.6. Sydney Leroux
This list isn’t just reserved for male players. Leroux was a goalscoring machine for UCLA this past season, tallying 23 times in 22 regular season games. A member of the US Under-20 team (she earned the Golden Ball at the U-20 World Cup while leading the team with five goals), Leroux is destined to become a regular on the senior US women’s team with the 2011 Women’s World Cup just around the corner.7. Ofori Sarkodie
Although he needs more time to mature, this Indiana University centerback is one of the most promising defenders entering next month’s MLS SuperDraft. Only 5-10, Sarkodie most recently played on the US Under-20 team and could have entered MLS last year, but decided to stay put another season. His ability to shut down strikers, even ones bigger than him, is his biggest asset. He leads the 2010 class of rookies even before playing an MLS game. 8. Chris Seitz
The Philadelphia Union faithful will be chanting Chris’s name this spring once the expansion team is up and playing. The 22-year-old goalkeeper, once a member of the US Under-20 and 23 teams, saw little playing time during his time with Real Salt Lake between 2007 and 2009 (just seven appearances). With the Union, Seitz will get a chance to show off his skills before a very appreciative, and knowledgeable, soccer crowd.9. Michael Stephens
Those not familiar with the college game have missed out on seeing this talented midfielder from UCLA. He came close to signing with Generation adidas of MLS this year, but did not get a deal done in time. A former US Under-17 and 20 player, Stephens is definitely MLS-bound and could go pretty high in next month’s draft. Some even think No. 1 overall.10. Abby Wambach
The heir to Mia Hamm has been delighting US fans ever since the Americans won the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games (with Wambach scored the winner in overtime over Brazil). A year away from the 2011 World Cup, she missed the last major Women's tournament, the '08 Olympics, due to injury. She currently has 101 in 131 appearances for the US and is easily in the conversation for the World's best attacking player. That goal total should only increase in 2010.Clemente Lisi is the author of “A History of the World Cup: 1930-2006.” Contact him at: CAL4477@yahoo.com
