The USA’s run in the men’s soccer tournament of the Paris Olympics came to a shuddering end as Morocco claimed a 4-0 win over Marko Mitrovic’s team in the quarter-finals.
Despite this, the USA caught the eye with impressive performances against Guinea and New Zealand in the group stage. The 3-0 defeat to hosts and eventual finalists France also felt harsh at the time, with the US playing well for stretches against the tournament’s front-runner.
There are lessons to be learned even with the rough exit, including which players have boosted their chances of making an impression at senior national team level for the USA. Here are five from the 2024 US Olympic squad that deserve a look.
John Tolkin
Mitrovic favoured Tolkin to Caleb Wiley at left back for the Olympics and his faith was repaid by the New York Red Bulls youngster. Tolkin’s best performance came against New Zealand when he was able to get forward and contribute to the attack through his driving runs and sharp deliveries in the final third.
Tolkin looked comfortable in possession and could be ready for the step up to the senior national team once a new head coach is appointed. The 22-year-old is more comfortable coming inside than Antonee Robinson, but could still prove himself as a useful deputy to the first-choice USMNT left back.
Nathan Harriel
Nathan Harriel will want to forget the quarter-final defeat to Morocco as quickly as possible with the 23-year-old at fault for conceding two penalties in the 4-0 loss. However, Harriel was still generally impressive at the Paris Olympics, starting all four of the matches played by the USA during the tournament.
Harriel was comfortable on the ball and made good use of his physicality when the USA had attacking set piece situations. Of course, Sergino Dest is the USA’s first-choice right back at senior level, but injuries have been an issue for him of late. There is scope for Harriel to challenge Joe Scally for a place in the squad.
Tanner Tessmann
There has been a lot of talk about Tanner Tessmann this summer with the central midfielder believed to be on Inter Milan’s radar after an impressive promotion season with Venezia in Serie B. Tessmann operated at the base of the USA’s midfield at the Olympics and was able to demonstrate some of his qualities.
For being just 22, Tessmann is an extremely imposing figure and is capable of punching passes forward into the attacking areas of the pitch. Tessmann could do with becoming more refined in rhythm-building possession, but Tyler Adams’ continued injury struggles could open up a place for him at the base of the USMNT midfield.
Kevin Paredes
Much was expected of Kevin Paredes coming into the Olympics and he didn’t disappoint. The high point of his tournament came in the 3-0 win over Guinea when the Wolfsburg wide attacker scored twice and caused all sorts of problems for the opposition on the right side. Paredes is established as one of the brightest young players in American soccer right now.
It would still be early to fast-track Paredes into the USMNT fold, but the 21-year-old’s potential is clear for all to see and with Timothy Weah’s red card against Panama at this summer’s Copa America still fresh in the memory, it might not be farfetched to expect that the new national team head coach might want a closer look.
Patrick Schulte
Having caught the eye as an important member of Wilfried Nancy’s Columbus Crew, Patrick Schulte was given the opportunity as the USA’s number one goalkeeper at the Paris Olympics. He was first-choice selection over Gaga Slonina was backed by his performances, which showed why there is talk about him being one of the best in his position in MLS right now.
Schulte is an impressive all-round goalkeeper. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet, is a good shot-stopper and has a natural presence that has led many to suggest the 23-year-old deserves an opportunity to demonstrate his ability for the senior USA national team at some point in the near future.
