As the United States celebrates the Fourth of July, we take a look at three young players on in their national team set up that could help Newcastle United.
Today, the United States of America celebrates its Independence Day. Yesterday, their men’s national team punched a ticket to the Gold Cup final against Mexico. In honor of the holiday, we take a look at three young players from that aforementioned national team setup, youth or senior side, that could help Newcastle United, potentially joining American right back DeAndre Yedlin.
Mark McKenzie
20 years old, centre back, Philadelphia Union
The young Philadelphia Union central defender has helped lead the youth sides for the United States. A 2018 MLS Rookie of the Year nominee, is composed on the ball and a quality passer, also possessing good movement for a centre back. While he is absolutely not ready for Premier League soccer yet, his intangibles, including leadership, could allow him to be a star defender in the future for Newcastle United.
Josh Sargent
19 years old, striker, Werder Bremen
This summer, Sargent was a controversial omission from the USMNT’s Gold Cup roster, seen as the striker of the future for the Americans. On the club side, he is also trying to make his mark. Only 18 years old last season, he scored almost immediately in his senior team debut with Werder Bremen. He’s been working his way into a consistent role with the club and recently signed a new deal. Adding Sargent to the mix alongside Elias Sorensen would give the Magpies a young, dangerous duo up top.
Djordje Mihailovic
20 years old, midfielder, Chicago Fire
Unlike the previous two players, Mihailovic is currently playing with the USMNT in the 2019 Gold Cup. After debuting for the first team earlier this year, he started vs. Panama and finished with one shot in the 1-0 U.S. win. In limited MLS play this season, he has two goals for the Chicago Fire. For Newcastle United, he could finally emerge as a true number ten for a club that has been looking for one. He has good skill on the ball and vision and may develop into a Premier League-level playmaker given time.
Honorable mention: Timothy Weah, Auston Trusty, Sebastian Soto, Ulysses Llanez
The USMNT will face Mexico on Sunday as they look to defend their Gold Cup crown in the final.