2014 FIFA World Cup: Top Five USA Players Ready To Step Up In Brazil

Eyes are already on Brazil in anticipation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

One team in particular to keep an eye on is the United States.

As the disappointment of another loss to Ghana lessens, the question arises: What next?

With stars Carlos Bocanegra and Jay Demerit looking like they will be out of the picture, the United States will certainly have a different lineup in 2014.

One positive thought is that in 2014 Landon Donovan will be 31, Clint Dempsey 32, and Tim Howard 35, and they will all be fit to play and lead this team as they did in South Africa.

After winning in the group stage but getting eliminated by Ghana in the round of 16, the United States has expectations to live up to, and a performance to improve upon.

However, if this is going to happen, certain players need to step up for their country.

It goes without saying that players like Donovan, Dempsey, and Howard will be the core group of leaders, but who else needs to step up?

Here are the five USA players who need to be ready to become leaders and impact players for their team in Brazil.

5. Maurice Edu

One player who should have started more games for the United States in South Africa is Maurice Edu.

Contributing mostly in the second half after being substituted in by head coach Bob Bradley, Edu proved he is capable of playing at the international level.

One point that particularly stood out was his composure in the box to finish the goal that was disallowed against Slovenia.

Once he finished so calmly off the Landon Donovan cross, he proved he was capable of making an impact for the United States.

The United States has a few young players who are ready to step up in 2014 in Brazil; Maurice Edu is one of them.

4. Charlie Davies

The United States missed the presence of Charlie Davies in South Africa.

Bob Bradley experimented with Herculez Gomez and Robbie Findley up top with Jozy Altidore, but Davies was always the best option.

It is a shame that a car accident tragically ruined his chances to compete in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

There were rumors that he would return to form in time for this year's World Cup, but he would not have been ready for the speed of play.

Charlie Davies and Jozy Altidore made a huge impact for the United States in the Confederations Cup and Davies will be sure to return to that form in four years.

Together, Davies and Altidore are a force to be reckoned with up top.

You can bet that in four years, Davies will be hungry to compete at the international level, and will be ready to step up and make an impact for his country up top.

3. Benny Feilhaber

Originally from Brazil, Benny Feilhaber showed how talented he can be in the attacking third.

The fact that Bob Bradley decided not to play Feilhaber more was disappointing, especially against Ghana. He would have had a huge impact in the match should he have played the entire 90 minutes.

He was one of the best offensive threats for the US in South Africa, and I believe he earned himself a starting spot in Brazil.

Feilhaber is extremely composed in the midfield and has terrific passing abilities.

Look for Feilhaber to step up in 2014 and become a major impact player for the United States.

2. Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley proved that he has the ability to be the commander of the center of the field in South Africa.

He has tremendous field vision, strength, and a certain finesse that gives him the ability to beat players and find the open man.

Bradley impressed with his offensive prowess through the midfield, and at times was the key component to sparking offensive counter-attacks.

At 22 years of age, Bradley has time to mature and reflect and improve upon his performances in South Africa. He will be a dangerous man in the middle for the United States.

The coaching status of his father, Bob Bradley, is unknown, but it can be certain that Michael Bradley will be ready to lead after his experience in South Africa.

1. Jozy Altidore

Overall, Jozy Altidore disappointed with his performance in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

There is one thing that needs to be said about Jozy Altiodre.

He had a chance to slot a game-winning goal against Ghana, but felt it was necessary to flop in the box and try to draw a penalty kick.

If he had just kept his composure, it would have been an easy goal for the young striker.

Okay, with that aside, there were games where Jozy really came to play.

He was a strong and powerful force up top. He controlled the ball, ran at defenders, and relieved the pressure off of the USA's defense.

These are all jobs that a good striker needs to accomplish, and some games, Jozy did it very well.

This World Cup was a good learning experience for Jozy, who is only 20 years old.

With no goals in the 2010 World Cup tournament, Jozy Altidore will come to play with a chip on his shoulder in Brazil.

He will be ready to step up in 2014 after reflecting upon his performances in this year's tournament.