The 2024 Paris Olympics are right around the corner and the United States will need several players to step up if it wants to enjoy a deep run in the competition.
Marko Mitrovic’s 18-player roster is mixed with both European and domestic players, all of whom will be eager to deliver on the international stage.
From Tanner Tessmann and Gianluca Busio who enter camp fresh off Serie A promotion to Duncan McGuire who continues to be a goalscoring menace in MLS, there is no shortage of talent for the Americans to rely on.
With only nine days until the U.S. opening group stage match vs. France, here is a closer look at which five players you should keeping a close eye on:
Tanner Tessmann
Tanner Tessmann enjoyed a career-best year for Venezia and now enters Olympic duty on a major confidence boost.
Tessmann was influential in Venezia’s promotion back to Serie A, logging seven goals and three assists in 42 combined appearances for the club. The former FC Dallas homegrown has continued to take key steps forward during his three seasons in Venice and now the goal will be to carry that form over to Team USA.
A versatile midfielder, Tessmann might be the most important player in the squad, based off his role in the heart of the formation.
Gianluca Busio
Tessmann’s club teammate, Gianluca Busio, is also one to watch this summer.
The 22-year-old Busio is also coming off a career-best season for Venezia, making 42 appearances, registering five assists to go along with seven goals. A former Sporting KC homegrown, Busio scored more goals this past season than the prior four campaigns combined.
Busio’s goalscoring and playmaking abilities will make him a tough player to quiet down, especially given the fact he will have chemistry alongside Tessmann in midfield.
Duncan McGuire
Not many players have made a more immediate impact in MLS than Duncan McGuire.
McGuire has scored 20 goals in 48 career MLS appearances since being drafted by Orlando City during the 2023 MLS Draft. A former Mac Hermann award winner, McGuire’s rapid production on the pro stage has led to the reported interest from English clubs Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday over the past year.
The U.S. will need to score goals if they want to advance far in the competition, and McGuire certainly can be the one to deliver them this summer.
Jack McGlynn
The 2024 Paris Olympics might feature one of the best left foots in the game today.
21-year-old Jack McGlynn heads into his first Olympics fresh off a strong first half of the season with the Philadelphia Union. His three goals and five assists are both career-highs to date while McGlynn is also on pace to set a new appearance total.
A dangerous creator from set pieces and free kicks, McGlynn surely will be among those seeking to make a difference in the final third.
Djordje Mihailovic
The return to MLS has been exactly the spark that Djordje Mihailovic has needed for his career.
Mihailovic, 25, has been quite the signing for the Colorado Rapids, scoring 10 goals and contributing nine assists in 21 appearances (21 starts) this season. After a quiet ending to his AZ Alkmaar career, the American playmaker has gotten back to his best in Colorado, giving the United States another confident player in their squad this summer.
Mihailovic was part of the U.S.’ failure to reach the 2020 Olympics but now has a golden opportunity to exercise those demons as part of the full squad this time around.
