I have been watching the USMNT for over 30 years. In that time I have seen many players come and go. There have been players hyped that never lived up to it (Freddy Adu) and there have been players who haven't been hyped at all, that became legends (Clint Mathis, Clint Dempsey). Then there are those players who get a lot of hype and then meet or exceed those expectations. There have been very few. Luckily, it seems as one fades into the sunset, another is on the horizon. Tab Ramos was the first one I can remember. He came out of the same high school as Tony Meola and John Harkes. Harkes ended up being the first American to make a splash in England. Tab was considered the cream of that crop and Tab went over to Spain and did very well over there at Real Betis (2nd division). He was always one of the best players on the pitch for the US, and he meant so much to the team. He did it all. He defended with passion, he fought for every loose ball, and he was so skilled on the offensive end. Just as he was finishing up his career, along came Claudio Reyna. When he was healthy, he was amazing. He also meant so much to the USMNT. He, like Tab, did so many of the things casual fans don't see and do not show up on the scoreline. He had a great career both for the US and in Europe. Again, as he was winding down, along comes Landon Donovan. He is without question the GOAT. His record vs Mexico speaks volumes. He rarely lost to El Tri and they hated him more than any other player that has ever played for the US.

When Landon finished, there really was not an heir apparent. Some thought Freddy Adu would be that guy, but it never materialized. The US has missed that guy in this transition, and many have tried to be that guy(Bradley, Dempsey and Altidore). Dempsey is amazing and so is Bradley at what they do. But that guy is missing, the # 10 the one who leads the offense and makes it happen in the middle. Insert an 18 year old phenom who is growing into a superstar before our very eyes. He makes players like Bradley, Altidore and Dempsey better. He plays like a 30 year old. It will be inetersting to see how he handles a hostile WCQ environment. If he plays well tonight, I have no doubt the US will win.