Watched a good chunk of Italy-Spain U21's yesterday, and both teams were full of good young established players (Dani Ceballos, Oyarzabal, Fabian Ruiz, Chiesa, Moise Kean, Barella) who already have several senior NT caps. Didn't realize that the "21" goes all the way back to 2016 when the tournament qualifying was set up, so anyone born in 1996 or later is eligible, which kind of makes the 21 part a farce. A lot of the players were 22 and 23 years old. Why not just call it a U23 tournament? Especially since the teams that qualify for the semifinals become the European qualifiers for the Olympics next year.
Anyways, it got me thinking about how I hope the US goes for it next summer, and sends the best possible players to the Olympics. I think we would have a legit chance to medal, if not win the thing. Any players born Jan 1, 1997 or later would be eligible, with three overage players allowed.
Here is an age eligible 23 man roster
FWD/WING: Sargent, Soto, Pulisic, Weah, Amon, Llanez,
MID: Adams, McKennie, Pomykal, Djorge M, Yuill
DEF: Gloster, Robinson, Richards, Trusty, Robinson, CCV, Cannon, Dest
GK: Ochoa, Klinsmann, Scott
Others: Ledezma, Gooch, Lennon, Ferreira, EPB, McKenzie, Servania, Durkin (yuck), Sands, Glad, Mendez, Sabhi, Araujo
GK spot would be the weakest area, so probably bring in a vet for that job, Maybe throw Guzan a bone if he's still playing well for Atlanta at this time next year.
