As we wrap up another busy soccer weekend around the globe, all USMNT attention will focus on the much anticipated roster announcement on Wednesday, where we will find out what players will suit up to face Mexico (September 6) and Uruguay (September 10) in a round of friendlies. Ahead of the roster drop, Berhalter has already disclosed that the core group will remain in place, though we can expect a few new additions “sprinkled into the roster.” Here is our list of must have first time call-ups:

Sergino Dest (18, New York, NY) - Ajax Amsterdam, Eredivisie

The young full back has cemented his spot in Ajax’s first team this season, featuring both as a left and right back. His superior technique on the ball, drive to get forward, and link up play surely make him one of the most exciting USMNT prospects at the moment. It’s time to see him with the senior team.

Paxton Pomykal (19, Lewisville, TX) - FC Dallas, MLS

One of the standouts for FC Dallas this year, Pomykal is our second sure bet for a first time call-up this September. The versatile midfielder has it all to make it at the international level: grit, determination, ball control, and creativity. The prospects of an Adams-McKennie-Pomykal triangle in the midfield is something to get excited about.

Sebastian Soto (19, Los Angeles, CA) - Hannover 96, 2. Bundesliga

After Soto had a stellar U20 World Cup and a solid pre-season with German side Hannover that secured a permanent spot with their senior team, we think he should be considered for a senior call-up this September. While not a lock like Dest and Pomykal given his comparatively little senior minutes, we think Soto is perhaps one of our biggest true “number 9” prospects in the USMNT pool alongside Josh Sargent - and he’s already proven that he can consistently find the back of the net. We think it’s time for a debut.

Miles Robinson (22, Arlington, MA) - Atlanta United, MLS

The oldest in our group, Miles Robinson has been a mainstay for Atlanta United this year at center back. A physically strong and technically skilled defender, Robinson has shown the ability to play out of the back - a trait critical to succeed in Berhalter’s system. We think Robinson has earned the chance to prove himself in the USMNT circle; however, between Brooks, Miazga, Long, CCV, Chris Richards, and Walker Zimmerman, competition at center back could be fierce.

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Star of the Week

John Brooks (26, Chicago, IL) - VFL Wolfsburg, Bundesliga

Starting where he left off last season: In Wolfsburg’s 3-0 victory at John Brooks’ former team Hertha Berlin, Brooks was integral in ensuring his team’s clean sheet as part of a back three. A towering presence in the back, Brooks stood out with four tackles, one clearance, and one interception against a relatively harmless Berlin side. More than that, we were extremely impressed with Brooks’ positioning - a trait that he mastered during his last season with Wolfsburg and something that he has continued to improve as he has gotten more experience. Further, while the new Wolfsburg system is a bit different from last year and decreases the team’s reliance on center backs opening the play from the back (Guilavgoi, normally a center mid now plays between the two center backs to open up play), Brooks finished the game with a convincing 71% pass accuracy.

His re-introduction to the USMNT will be critical for a young Berhalter squad, as we see Brooks as one of the leaders through the next two World Cup cycles and the main stabilizer of the defensive line.

Other Notable Performances

Weston McKennie (20, Little Elm, TX) - Schalke 04, Bundesliga

Putting up a fight against Bayern: In Schalke’s 0-3 loss to Bayern Munich over the weekend, Weston McKennie was a standout performer for the Royal Blues in the heart of the midfield. He was one of the few players putting up a real fight, as the young American often got stuck into tackles, broke up play, and remained active on the counter. In fact, the only times that Schalke looked dangerous, McKennie was at the helm as he was able to get the ball moving quickly after winning the ball, switch the play carefully, and have an eye for teammates.

Finding his position: While McKennie was used in nearly every position on the field last season, it seems Schalke’s new head coach David Wagner (who has a few USMNT caps under his belt), has found a permanent spot for McKennie as one of two holding midfielders. Not only will this be critical for the development of the 20-year-old as a player in finding some consistency to his game, but we think this can translate to the USMNT as well. To this point, similar to his role under Berhalter, in Schalke’s current system, McKennie is relied upon as the chief ball winner in the middle of the field off the ball, but when his team has possession, the young American often penetrates the opponent’s half with driven runs all the way into the box - something he had done consistently at the Gold Cup as well. Just as importantly, based on the initial two games of the year, McKennie has been more actively opening Schalke’s play, spraying the ball out wide or jumpstarting counter attacks with a direct ball into the forwards.

Duane Holmes (24, Columbus, GA) - Derby County, Championship

Making his way back: Following an injury plagued summer (groin) that caused Holmes to miss the Gold Cup, he is slowly making his way back to full fitness and already showcased some of his skill during a guest appearance with Derby County’s U23 where he hammered home a shot from outside the 18: