Series: 5-A-Side & The USMNT II
Special Delivery
The 5-A-Side Series will be a weekly look at 24 and under USMNT lesser known prospects or known commodities, broken down into defenders, midfielders and forwards. Balance is key and this week we focus on; Erik Palmer-Brown, John Anthony Brooks, Russell Canouse, Luca de la Torre and Kekuta Manneh.
Erik Palmer-Brown: 19 (D)
Erik Palmer-Brown is a youth product of Sporting KC and current captain of the US U-20 team and has represent the US at every youth level. Palmer is a tenacious defender with previous u-20 World Cup experience in 2015 as a substitute. EPB, has attracted much interest overseas including a $1 million bid from Juventus which was rejected by Sporting KC. Palmer-Brown is newly returned from a year long loan at Porto B in Portugal where he made 17 appearances. Confident in possession and likes playing the ball with quick short passes. Another good performance for the US in May could see his career take off. Current market value: €100,000.
Watch Erik Palmer-Brown in the MLS on ESPN, Fox Sports and MLS Live.
John Anthony Brooks: 24 (D)
John Anthony Brooks aka the Berlin Wall is a German American who is a 1st Team member and starting centerback for Hertha BSC of the Bundesliga. Brooks kind of burst onto the scene in heroic fashion at the 2014 FIFA World Cup by rescuing the US against a familiar foe in Ghana. His goal catapulted the US to one of the more memorable World Cup experiences in its short history. For all his accolades, Brooks is still young and only getting better. A major part of one of the stingiest defenses in the Bundesliga, expect to see Brooks for many years to come. Current market value: €10,000,000.
Watch John Anthony Brooks in the Bundesliga on Fox Sports and GolTV.
Russell Canouse: 21 (M)
Russell Canouse is a young player for the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and currently on loan at VfL Bochum in the 2.Bundesliga. Canouse came up through the NYRB and most recently Hoffenheim Academy. His exceptional play in center midfield caught the eye of the German outfit and they swooped in for the Pennsylvania native. Russell is making the most of his loan move having made 15 appearances and scoring a peach of a goal. The defensive midfielder is great in aerial duels and avoids bombing into tackles. Current market value: €350,000.
Watch Russell Canouse in the 2.Bundesliga on a dodgy internet stream.
Luca de la Torre: 18 (M)
Luca de la Torre is a youth player for English Championship side Fulham FC. The San Diego native has been part of the Fulham academy since they removed Michael Jackson from outside Craven Cottage. Given his Fulham debut during the EFL Cup vs Leyton Orient, Luca got to fully showcase his passing ability and calm demeanor during the recent CONCACAF U-20 Championships. He has made 16 appearances this season, mostly in Premier League 2, scoring two goals and providing one assist. Current market value: N/A
Watch Luca de la Torre via Fulham website and dodgy internet streams.
Kekuta Manneh: 22 (F)
Kekuta Manneh is a young player for the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS. Kekuta is a hot product in the MLS given his goal scoring ability but also how he can pick out teammates. A player that enjoys dribbling and will frequently cut inside for a layoff or let it rip from distance. The Gambia has recently acquired U.S. citizenship and will look to cement a move to the US National Team. Having already become a centurion for the Whitecaps with 23 goals to his name, we look forward to continued development in goal scoring and creating for teammates. Current market value: €700,000.
Watch Kekuta Manneh in the MLS on ESPN, Fox Sports and MLS Live.
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