Concacaf is preparing for the 16th edition of the Gold Cup, where 25 nations compete against each other for the prestigious trophy.
The tournament will take place from July 10 to August 1 throughout the United States, and now, almost three weeks before the start, all participating countries have submitted their provisional lists.
Major League football players have long been a part of the history of this tournament and have influenced every edition. This year, over 100 Major League Soccer players from across the 25 participating countries were called to provisional lists in hopes of leading their team to success.
Although there is a lot of potential on every list, here are the five MLS players you should keep an eye on at the Gold Cup …
Efrain Alvarez plays for Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids / Michael Janosz / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Efrain Alvarez was born in Los Angeles to Mexican parents, which made him eligible for both the U.S. men’s national team and the Mexican national team.
In December, USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter called the young player to camp in the hope that he could experience the team’s atmosphere to make an informed decision. Months later, Alvarez made his debut with the Mexican national team in March 2021 during a friendly against Costa Rica. Since Alvarez experimented with both teams, he has gone with his Latin roots and chosen to represent El Tri in international competitions.
He is still new to international duty, but the young player has proven himself in Major League Soccer. Alvarez has so far played six of eight games this season for the LA Galaxy, keeping the midfield secure and remaining third on the Western Conference table.
Jozy Altidore plays for Toronto FC against Montreal Impact / Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images
There has been a lot of speculation recently about Jozy Altidore’s future since his quarrel with Chris FC FC’s coach at Toronto FC. Because Altidore was trained away from the team without having set a return date. While his future in Toronto is still unknown, his commitment to USMNT success cannot be overlooked.
He stands as one of the most decorated players and scored the third most goals in US national team history with 42 and has been part of two World Cup lists in 2010 and 2014.
Although Berhalter has taken US law through a renewal to form a new golden age, Altidore cannot be left behind yet.
Daryl Dike plays for Orlando City SC against Inter Miami CF / Michael Reaves / Getty Images
After a successful loan spell with the English championship team Barnsley, Daryl Dike is back in purple with Orlando City.
The young striker thrived in England and scored nine goals in 21 games that almost inspired a Premier League campaign. Since his departure, Dike made his debut with the American men’s national team and rejoiced in the Nations League triumph.
As a young player, a lot is expected of Dike but his potential justifies the pressure. His ability to create spaces and dominate the offensive line could be the perfect way for America’s chances to reach the final in Las Vegas.
Forward has not yet been calculated by opponents, which provides a spontaneous element to USMNT’s attack. Berhalter praised Dike after the Nations League and gave a good indication that the player will find his way to the starting lineup.
Alan Pulido plays for Sporting Kansas City against Houston Dynamo FC / Bill Barrett / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Tata Martino recently praised Sporting Kansas City player Alan Pulido for his fantastic start to the 2021 Major League Soccer season.
So far, he has scored five goals and an assist in just eight games, and behind teammate Chicharito, Pulido continues to be on the hunt for one of the league’s biggest awards – the Golden Boot.
At a recent press conference, Martino specifically pointed to Pulido’s creative ability and the intense commitment he had to Sporting Kansas FC’s offense. While he did not get too involved in Mexico’s Nations League run, Pulido has been very vocal about influencing his country to the greatest extent.
Gianluca Busio plays for Sporting Kansas City against San Jose Earthquakes / Lyndsay Radnedge / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Gianluca Busio has emerged this season as one of the most exciting players to watch. The Sporting Kansas City midfielder has enormous potential, and during week 7 of the 2021 MLS season, Busio made a phenomenal free kick against the Houston Dynamo that left Marko Maric flat.
He has scored another goal since then, but Busio’s biggest contribution is in midfield. Only 19 years old, both Berhalter and Sporting Kansas City’s head coach Paulo Nagamura expect a lot from the youngster.
