5 Players to Watch in USA's International Friendly with Ecuador

The 2014 World Cup may now be just a thing of the past, but the United States men’s national team has a lot of steam going forward.

On Friday, they will face off with Ecuador in what should be a thrilling match. Fans would be wise to tune in.

Manager Jurgen Klinsmann has called up an impressive squad for this international break, including some unexpected names. USMNT fans will have a great opportunity to watch some of the nation’s future stars in action.

In this article, we will take a look at five USMNT players to keep an eye on during Friday’s match, while also discussing what their role could be in the coming years.

As always, feel free to get involved in the discussion in the comment section below and let us know which U.S. stars you are most looking forward to watching against Ecuador. 

John Brooks

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

John Brooks certainly made a name for himself in last summer’s World Cup, scoring a huge goal and putting in strong work when he was on the pitch. He is still very young at 21, but it looks certain that he will be leading the defense in the not-too-distant future.

While there is no guarantee that Brooks will start against Ecuador, it would be odd for him to not at least receive some playing time. His recent form has forced Klinsmann to find ways to play him more often, and it is only a matter of time before he is a regular in the lineup.

Brooks is a very mature 21-year-old who has a strong head on his shoulders. He knows what his weaknesses are and is always looking to improve himself. Many fans will be hoping to see him play on Friday, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t.

The Berlin-born defender is the future of the USMNT. Every time he plays, he is a joy for the American fans to watch. 

Joe Corona

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Joe Corona is yet another exciting USMNT talent that is ready to break out under Klinsmann. After playing for the Mexico youth teams, Corona eventually elected to play for America—where he was born—and there has been no looking back.

While Corona isn’t a kid anymore at 24, he is still young and has a lot to offer. He is a midfielder that passes the ball well and is always looking to get forward. The Tijuana midfielder brings an offensive focus to the lineup and should become a regular face going forward.

It is hard to predict just who will play against Ecuador on Friday. However, fans should expect Corona to get some minutes due to the simple fact that he was called up with the future being the focus. 

Luis Gil

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

Luis Gil has been patiently waiting for his chance to show what he can do for the USMNT, and following his recent form for Real Salt Lake, it was impossible to make him wait any longer.

The 20-year-old is expected to be one of the important new faces in the next World Cup, but for that to happen, he must get his feet wet now.

Klinsmann also seems to be a big fan of the midfielder, which will only help his cause.

While normally featuring as an attacking midfielder, Gil can also push out wide on the wings. Due to his versatility, he adds a lot to the USMNT squad and has plenty of room to grow as well.

His eye for goal and creating chances is something that the U.S. midfield is currently missing. It doesn’t make sense that Klinsmann would call him up without planning to play him, so fans should be ready to see Gil in action on Friday. 

Julian Green

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

Julian Green needs no introduction. He is the most exciting young American player around, and he has already proven that he can make a big impact in the few minutes he played in the World Cup.

The Bayern Munich winger is exactly the type of player that the USMNT has been missing for so long. He is able to create chances with the ball at his feet, score in several different ways and is simply a difference-maker.

The German giants understand that he has a bright future as a professional footballer and made the decision to loan him out this season to get more regular minutes. This will only help him become a better player for the U.S. as well, and Klinsmann should be ready to take advantage of that.

It is hard to believe that he is still 19 years old. It seems like Green has been a talking point for a long time now, but that only goes to show how much the U.S. is focused on him being a star for the national team.

Green should absolutely feature against Ecuador on Friday, and fans will certainly be ready to watch their starlet play. He has already made his case to be a regular in the lineup, and Klinsmann would be wise to hand him the keys to the attack during this international break. 

Landon Donovan

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

After being excluded from last summer’s World Cup, Landon Donovan is once again in the squad. However, the great captain is not back to lead the team at 32 years old. Rather, he is here to say goodbye to the USMNT.

According to reports from CBSSports.com, Friday’s match against Ecuador will be Donovan’s farewell match for the national team. He is expected to play roughly 30 minutes wearing the captain’s band before saying goodbye to the USMNT.

Above all else, fans should tune in to Friday’s match to watch Donovan’s last game in the America shirt. It will be a very special night, and one that U.S. fans cannot afford to miss out on.

Donovan will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever put on the red, while and blue jersey. Friday’s match will be a testament to his years of service and a way for the former captain to leave in the right way—­to a round of applause.

Who are you most excited to watch on Friday? How will Donovan fair in his final game? Leave your thoughts and comments below!