The defensive midfield position is perhaps the national team’s strength, where it has the best players and the most depth. But top teams in the world have a reputation of producing quality defensive midfielders and the US is on the verge of joining their ranks. Here the top five defensive midfield prospects:

1. Sam Cronin, 22, Toronto FC

He may soon be following in Maurice Edu’s footsteps by getting a regular spot with the USMNT and a transfer to Europe. He has been instrumental to TFC’s success this season and was awarded with a spot on the Gold Cup roster.

2. Dax McCarty, 22, FC Dallas

He is beginning to live-up to his promise as a 2006 1st round SuperDraft pick. He has become a regular starter this season. He can play any spot in the midfield, but is best in a holding role. His passing and set-pieces have improved, which has added to his game.

3. Chance Myers, 22, Kansas City Wizards

He has been sidelined from injuries, so many have forgot the great start he had to his rookie season. But the 2008 first overall draft choice could return for the second part of this season, where he will look to get his promising career back on track.

4. Bryan Arguez, 20, Hertha Berlin

He has the raw athletic ability to be a very good player. He was signed by Hertha, but questions linger about his commitment level  and work ethic. He was also kicked out of a U-20 camp, further fueling the speculation. Hopefully he can recover from these issues.

5. Brandon McDonald, 23, San Jose Earthquakes

He is another athletic, versatile player who can play in the midfield as well as in the back. He made the switch to the Earthquakes after playing for the Galaxy during his rookie season. He has appeared in three matches this season for the Quakes.

Is Cronin the best prospect in the defensive midfield spot? Do you think Myers can recover from injury? Can Arguez live up to his potential? Share your thoughts below.

The Gold Cup will begin on July 4^th against Grenada. Bob Bradley and his staff can use this as an opportunity to evaluate players on the fringe of making the 2010 World Cup roster, as well as looking at young players that could play be a part of the next qualification cycle.

I have eliminated players based on the following, which the USSF should replicate:

-Players who have consistently played for their European club and played in the Confederations Cup
-All MLS players currently on the Confederations Cup roster
-Any player under consideration for the U20 World Cup

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Marcus Hahnemann, Troy Perkins

Guzan is a lock but needs to get more experience. Hahnemann and Perkins are the leading candidates for the third spot, and this competition could determine the front-runner.

Defenders: Clarence Goodson, Geoff Cameron, Michael Parkhurst, Michael Orozco, Heath Pearce, Marco Vidal, Steve Cherundolo

Bradley needs to sort out the back-up center defenders. Goodson has been having a great season in Norway and Parkhurst is always reliable. Cameron has anchored MLS’ best defense and would provide an attacking option from the back. Orozco should be given a further look.

Cherundolo, pending his health, needs to get some time. Orozco and Cameron can back-up if necessary. Frankie Simek is an option but is also battling injury concerns.

The left back position is the weakest in the player pool. Heath Pearce, who is currently without a club, needs to showcase his skills. Vidal, who plays for Indios, should be a given a run-out to see if he can add depth.

Midfielders: Freddy Adu, Stuart Holden, Colin Clark, Robbie Rogers, Brad Evans, Chris Pontius, Pablo Mastroeni, Dax McCarty, Santino Quaranta

The holding midfield role will be occupied by Mastroeni and McCarty. McCarty is quietly having a good season for FC Dallas.

Adu should be given the entire tournament to see what he can do as an attacking midfielder. Holden can also fill in.

The player pool is in desperate need of speedy wingers who can stretch the game for the US against certain opponents. Rogers and Clark are capable of doing that on the left side. Holden should be given the most minutes on the right side.

Strikers: Kenny Cooper, Jeremiah White, Cam Weaver, Robbie Findley

Cooper needs to have a good tournament to prove he is capable of scoring at the international level. Findley is having a good MLS season, but his sprained ankle could keep him off the roster. Weaver is a bit of a long-shot, but he can score goals and hold the ball up.

Do you see any glaring omissions? Should other MLS players be given a shot? What about some of the other European players? Comment below.