When Jurgen Klinsmann revealed the roster for the U.S. national team's January camp, the abundance of Under-23 eligible players made it appear that the camp, and subsequent friendlies, would shed some real light into what the Olympic qualifying team will look like come March.
It didn't quite work out that way.
With the exception of camp revelation Kellyn Acosta, the U.S. camp had few breakout players — and even less among the U-23s. Klinsmann made it clear that he still wanted the senior team to be the priority for friendlies against Iceland and Canada, but stressed that the camp experience alone would help the U-23 team in its preparations for a two-legged Olympic qualifying playoff against Colombia.
Trying to project just what the U.S. team will look like that faces Colombia is made very difficult by the fact that club teams aren't obligated to release players for the Olympic qualifying playoff. That means Klinsmann and Andi Herzog will need to work their magic and negotiate with teams to get certain players released. In some cases, the U.S. can probably count on good relationships to help clear the way, like with Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers. But in some other cases, it remains to be seen whether Klinsmann and Herzog will get their wish (like with Matt Miazga at Chelsea).
That uncertainty is what made the January camp feel a bit like a search for viable options to replace more established players. Acosta was the big find of the camp, but Brandon Vincent also did well for himself, and Tim Parker could merit a look in March if some other European-based options aren't released.
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