The US men’s national team have a handful of players that must turn up this summer if the Stars and Stripes are to have success at Copa America.

The USA are all set to kick-off their Copa America journey on June 23 vs Bolivia, eager to get three points on the board. Group C will more than likely be straightforward for the American side other than the daunting task of taking on 15-time Copa America winners Uruguay.

However, the US will want to make a statement on their home soil with a deep run in the competition. This will require several key figures who all play their trades in Europe to step to lead the USMNT into the knockout stage of the tournament.

Here are Gregg Berhalter’s five most important USMNT players for this summer’s Copa America.

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While the forwards will generate all the hype and excitement, the US won’t get too far in the competition without a steady presence at the back.

In steps Chris Richards, who’s fresh off a solid campaign with Crystal Palace in the Premier League

In order for the USMNT to advance to the quarter-finals of Copa America, they’ll need a reliable goal threat up front and center.

That’s where Folarin Balogun steps in. The AS Monaco striker will look to bang in the goals this summer to fire the Stars and Stripes into the last eight of Copa America.

Gio Reyna just might be one of the most talented players to take the pitch at Copa America this summer.

Of course, should Berhalter play him in his preferred position as an attacking midfielder, then the Borussia Dortmund player could rack up goals and assists to kick things off in the group stage.

Every good midfield needs its anchor, and that’s where Weston McKennie comes into play.

The Juventus figure is coming off an excellent campaign in the Italian top flight and will be key to protecting the USA backline while also recycling play to kickstarts attacks.

There was simply no other way Christian Pulisic wasn’t going to come in at number one.

USA’s No. 10 has come up clutch in recent competitions for his country, and Berhalter will be counting on him to lead by example come late June. After a strong season wtih AC Milan, Pulisic is the talisman of this USMNT side. It’s not just the Christian Pulisic show, but if the USMNT want to achieve what is set out in front of them, Pulisic needs to show up and play to his level.

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