8 Veterans Who Can Still Contribute to the USMNT in 2016
2016 promises to be a massive year for the U.S. men's national team with Copa America Centenario and pivotal World Cup qualifiers on the calendar.
With so many crucial matches, big-game experience will be even more necessary. Calling up a few veterans to the USMNT squads would help usher in the next generation of players.
Eight players between the ages of 30 and 33 with at least 25 U.S. caps will be highlighted.
Here are eight veterans who can still contribute to the USMNT in 2016.
1. Tim Howard
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Tim Howard's form with Everton this season has been a worry, but he still deserves a call-up to the U.S. for both Copa America and World Cup qualifying.
The majority of Howard's 106 caps came in qualifiers and at major tournaments. He's been the USMNT's No. 1 at World Cups, its qualifiers and at Gold Cups.
Having an experienced goalkeeper against some of the world's top players at Copa America is calming. Howard commands his box, communicates well and can organize his defense.
Even if Howard is a backup for William Yarbrough or Bill Hamid (when he's fit), the 36-year-old can be a mentor for either of his potential heirs.
Brad Guzan is another option, but based on Guzan's current form and his inexperience compared to Howard's, the latter should earn more consideration for a spot on future rosters.
2. DaMarcus Beasley
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DaMarcus Beasley is the USA's leader in appearances among active players with 123 caps. This is one reason why head coach Jurgen Klinsmann called up Beasley to the CONCACAF Cup versus Mexico last year.
The USMNT's lack of depth at left back was also a major factor in Beasley's inclusion. Shockingly, this is still a lingering concern for Klinsmann.
Santos Laguna's Jorge Villafana could feasibly become a permanent starter on the left flank. However, the ex-Portland Timber also said he'd consider representing Mexico, per Goal.com's Jon Arnold.
Recently drafted Brandon Vincent and Montreal Impact defender Eric Miller are other candidates to fill the role. Their lack of experience may be worrying, though.
That's all the more reason why Beasley should be on the roster in 2016. He can come off the bench and play anywhere on the left side, too. Utility players are valuable for tournament squads, so the 33-year-old must be considered.
3. Brad Evans
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Brad Evans has only 25 caps to his name, but he can play in three different positions if necessary. For that reason, he should still be on the USMNT radar.
Evans has played at Gold Cups but has never been on a U.S. roster for a World Cup. Nonetheless, he's participated in qualifying and can fill in at center back, right back or in midfield.
The Seattle Sounders man may not start against a top team such as Argentina at Copa America, but he can be a useful player off the bench.
4. Geoff Cameron
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Geoff Cameron is one of the in-form Americans in Europe this season. The 30-year-old has impressed for Stoke City in two different positions as the Premier League side continues its push up the table.
The only reason Cameron is on this list is down to his lack of minutes for the U.S. since 2014. Chronic injuries haven't helped, but even when he's been fit, the former Dynamo man has seldom started.
Based on his domestic performances, Cameron has to be starting for the USMNT. He was one of the best players on the pitch for Stoke's wins over Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton in December.
What's most impressive is that Cameron has been deployed in the heart of midfield for these games. He's not an effective passer, but he gets stuck in and breaks up opposing attacks.
The U.S. international has averaged 3.2 tackles and 2.2 interceptions over his last five league appearances, per WhoScored.com.
If Cameron doesn't significantly increase his 37 caps in 2016, it would be a huge shock.
5. Clarence Goodson
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Clarence Goodson was one of the most underrated center backs in MLS last season and demonstrated that he can still help the USMNT.
Given his international experience, Goodson can be a positive influence on youngsters such as John Brooks and Matt Miazga. The 33-year-old was a member of the 2010 World Cup team and started in five of the USMNT's six games at the 2013 Gold Cup.
However, there is some friction between Goodson and head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. The San Jose Earthquakes defender was clearly frustrated about his omission from the 2014 World Cup squad, so that likely shuts the door on a potential return.
Nonetheless, it's clear that Goodson would still be a great fit. He's coming off a career year in MLS in 2015 and has 46 caps to his name, the majority of which were in big games.
6. Sacha Kljestan
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Sacha Kljestan's last appearance for the USMNT was on March 5, 2014, in a 2-0 loss to Ukraine in a friendly.
Based on Kljestan's form in 2015 with the New York Red Bulls, the midfielder should start earning regular call-ups to the USMNT in 2016.
As Empire of Soccer's Dave Martinez states, the 30-year-old would be a welcome boost to a midfield that has become predictably stagnant.
Kljestan told Martinez that he's ready for a return to the national team: "I do believe I have qualities that can help the national team, and I hope one day I will get a call-up again and I will make a difference with the team."
Kljestan scored eight goals and recorded 14 assists in 33 appearances in 2015. Creativity is what the U.S. midfield lacked in 2015. There surely is room for a player with 46 caps and Champions League experience to boot.
7. Benny Feilhaber
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Clamoring for Benny Feilhaber to be named to a USMNT roster is becoming tiresome, but it's done for a good reason.
Feilhaber is a clever and creative player who would be a welcome addition to a stale U.S. midfield. However, the Sporting Kansas City midfielder admits that he likely won't be recalled under head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, per ESPN FC's Jeff Carlisle:
"It's something that definitely frustrated me...probably two to three years ago, maybe even less than two to three years ago," said Feilhaber with regard to his national team exile. It's not going to happen [and] this last season was my best, full comprehensive season as a professional. I'm playing the best soccer I have in my career. If I'm not getting an opportunity with the national team now then I need to accept that it's not going to happen. At least not under Jurgen Klinsmann.
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The 31-year-old went on to criticize Klinsmann's selection policy, per Goal.com's Ives Galarcep.
Given that Feilhaber blasted the German tactician, the midfielder will likely be denied a return to the USMNT. Still, it's incredible to think that an MLS MVP finalist with 10 goals and 15 assists in 2015 has no future with the U.S.
8. Clint Dempsey
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Clint Dempsey's omissions from the USMNT January camp recent matches have been well-publicized.
Dempsey said he chose to skip the January camp, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC. The 32-year-old told Carlisle that he wants to play at Copa America this summer: "I'd love to play in [the Copa America] if it's meant to be, but at the same time, if I don't I don't. All you can concentrate on is whatever team you're with, doing the best that you can for them, and I'm focused on trying to win an MLS Cup for Seattle."
Dempsey may have had disciplinary problems and lingering hamstring injuries in 2015, but he still scored nine goals in 10 games for the USMNT last year.
The Seattle Sounders forward was admittedly not sharp against Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup, but every player has a bad game every now and then.
The former Premier League striker is also chasing Landon Donovan to become the national team's all-time leading scorer. Donovan holds the record with 57 goals; Dempsey has 48 in 120 appearances.
Considering how important Dempsey has been for the U.S., especially in a down year in 2015, it would be difficult to see him missing out on both Copa America and World Cup qualifying.
