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Most Underrated USMNT Players

John Dorton/ISI Photos / Contributor

Published Jan 21, 2022

We’re less than a year away from the 2022 World Cup and today it makes sense to look at some of the most underrated USMNT players in the current pool.

We all know the U.S. is thriving when it comes to producing youth talent at this point, with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams leading the way for the Yanks.

However, the depth of the American player pool is simply astounding and will undoubtedly leave Gregg Berhalter with many tough decisions once it comes time to name his final 23-man squad in November, should the U.S. qualify for the World Cup.

These are five underrated USMNT players that should be on your radar ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Miles Robinson - Center back

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Club: Atlanta United

Nobody had a bigger rise in 2021 than Robinson, especially on the USMNT scene.

Robinson went from a relatively unknown center back for Atlanta United to becoming a regular for Gregg Berhalter’s side and now he’s basically locked in as one of the two central defenders heading into the World Cup.

It’s very likely he’s playing in Europe within the next six to 12 months.

Jordan Pefok - Striker

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Club: Young Boys

Pefok is a very interesting case because he’s received probably more attention than any American striker in the UEFA Champions League after his game-winning goal against Manchester United earlier this season.

He’s currently playing at Swiss side Young Boys and offers a lot of consistency in the final third. Even with Ricardo Pepi and Daryl Dike as very strong options, it’s a strong possibility that Pefok is the third American striker on the depth chart.

Paul Arriola - Winger

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Club: FC Dallas

Arriola just completed a significant move from D.C. United to FC Dallas in one of the largest inter-MLS deals in league history. The American attacker has an engine like very few and he’s capable of using his pace brilliantly on the wings.

Although the U.S. has lots of winger depth, including Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson and Gio Reyna, Arriola could still figure into the World Cup picture if he continues to play well in MLS.

Tim Weah - Winger

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Club: Lille

This American has some insanely good lineage when looking at his father, George, one of the top African players to ever compete in Europe.

Tim is currently playing for defending Ligue 1 champions Lille and considering their young talent, which features Weah, Jonathan David and Sven Botman, they are an extremely fun side to watch.

They’re about to face Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 and it’s very possible that Weah can be a difference maker once he’s fully healthy again.

Joe Scally - Right back

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Club: Borussia Monchengladbach

Scally went from barely playing for New York City FC as a teenager to starring for one of the Bundesliga’s most-recognizable clubs in Borussia Monchengladbach. The New York native has quickly adapted to life in Germany is quickly evolving into a top right back and given the U.S.’ lack of depth there Scally could easily be on the plane to Qatar if the Americans qualify.