USA vs. Venezuela: Brek Shea's Development Will Be Pivotal for U.S.

Brek Shea is the most important player to watch on Saturday as the United States men's national team faces off with Venezuela in a friendly.

And if the 21-year-old can live up to the considerable hype surrounding him, he will be a difference-maker for the USA in international competition.

First, the player. Shea, at 6'3", has the size the USA has been lacking for years in its midfielders. He also possesses the speed, technique and versatility that has many tabbing him as the next "big thing" in soccer.

Rarely has the USA had this remarkable a prospect. Shea became the first player born in the 1990s to make the full US national team when he was brought up in 2010. He's drawn considerable interest from Premier League clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool, and is being dubbed the future at left wing for the USA. He has a swagger around the ball and a finishing ability that could make him a superstar in due time. His six tattoos and work as an artist alone speak to the creative individual he is.

Superstar: That's not a word we hear a lot when it comes to young players coming up in the US ranks. But while hype is just hype, this hype is undoubtedly justified based on the tools Shea shows.

Wrote Peter Karl of the Sabotage Times:

"

Here in America, the hype around Brek Shea is palpable. And that’s because we haven’t really seen a player quite like him in, well, forever.

"

Wednesday night's friendly will give America a glimpse of a player who could become an impact talent and help the US national team rise in prominence.

Perhaps the biggest question is: Will Shea stick around or depart for overseas?

That may be the biggest fear for the USA concerning Shea.