USA vs. Panama: Brek Shea and Players Destined to Show They Belong

With a strong performance against Panama, a few players will prove themselves ready to contribute to USA soccer in a big way.

This is one of two January games for Jurgen Klinsmann and his squad, and in neither game can he use members of his first team. 

That makes these games meaningless, except for the fact that it is a chance to see what lesser-used players have to offer. 

Here are three that have a lot to offer. 

Jermaine Jones 

Klinsmann went out on a limb by naming Jones captain of the squad for this month. The move came just weeks after Jones received an eight-week suspension from his Bundesliga club for stomping on an opponent's foot. 

Jones rewarded Klinsmann with a strong game and plenty of leadership in the United States' win against Venezuela, and that play will continue against Panama. 

Jones is already a known commodity on the US team. He has earned 15 caps. But his strong performance and leadership here will undoubtedly earn him more playing time going forward. 

Brek Shea

After being seldom used by Bob Bradley, Shea is starting to find a spot with Klinsmann. He is the only player who has appeared in all eight games Klinsmann has coached, and he could be on the verge of capturing a starting spot. 

This left-footed midfielder is just 21 years old and clearly coming into his own. At 6'3" he is supremely physically gifted. He is fast and powerful and is adept with both feet. 

He made some nice runs against Venezuela but looked a little lost at the end of those runs. With more experience Shea will be comfortable enough to let his natural ability shine through on those runs. 

And in the process he will demonstrate that he is ready to be a big-time contributor to this team. 

Geoff Cameron

The Houston Dynamo midfielder is in the process of winning the center back spot for the Americans. 

Cameron is 26 and has one cap in his career, but he has never had a chance to fully put on display what he is capable of...until now. 

He was magnificent against Venezuela. He was always in position, and did an excellent job of distribution. Cameron is a technically sound and physically gifted player, and he is in the process of earning a much bigger role for the US men.