The US has never been able to field a true #10 playmaker. If one emerged, he would be able to quickly fill a gaping need that could push the national team to the next level. Options are limited at this point, which means one of the following players could come on to the scene for the 2014 qualification cycle.

1. Mikkel Diskerud, 18, Stabaek

Nicknamed “Mix”, the Norwegian born Diskerud is eligible to play for the US through his mother. He has declared his intentions to play for the US and will be a part of the U-20 World Cup team.  He has mainly appeared as a substitute for his Norwegian side, but has scored three goals and will contribute to the upcoming Eupora League campaign.

2. Dilly Duka, 19, Rutgers

The New York Red Bull youth product has made a name for himself with his play for the U-20 team. He is a quick player with decent size who has a knack for scoring goals. His future is unclear at the moment. There has been rumored interest from Belgium, but he could also land with the Red Bulls.

3. Jarred Jeffery, 19, Club Brugge

He moved to Belgium when he was 17. He is yet to make an appearance for the first team, but is valued by the club as a youngster with a bright future. There were rumors linking him to a loan, but nothing has materialized.

4. Charles Renken, US U-17

Injuries have set him back, but he is capable of breaking down defenses with his technical ability. US U-17 coach Wilmer Cabrera will be hoping for a full recovery from Renken’s latest knee injury before the U-17 World Cup.

5. Eric Avila, 21, FC Dallas

He has emerged as a key reserve for FC Dallas this season and scored his first career goal in a recent 2-1 win. His combination of pace and technical ability causes problems for fatigued opponents. He signed a Generation Adidas contract after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2008 Super Draft.

Honorable Mention

Joseph Gyau, 16, US U-17
Sebastian Lletget, 16, West Ham Academy
Alex Nimo, 19, Real Salt Lake

Do you see a difference maker in this group? Can any of these players contribute to the 2014 team? Your opinions are welcome below.

-The USMNT will be left thin for the remainder of the Gold Cup. Freddy Adu, Charlie Davies, Steven Cherundolo, and Michael Parkhurst have all returned to their respective European sides. I wrote the other day that Adu needs to return to Benfica as quickly as possible.

-Danny Szetela is heading back to MLS, where his club will be decided by the allocation order.  DC United makes the most sense. The club is high on the allocation list and has roster spots available.

-Is Bruce Arena the best manager in MLS? He will be tested with David Beckham returning, but there is little doubt the Galaxy are much improved.

-Former US youth prospect Preston Zimmerman is currently on trial with 3 Bundesliga side Jahn Regensburg.

-MLS roster moves: The Crew released midfielder Stanley Nyazamba, Ian Joy is leaving Real Salt Lake, Leo Krupnik signed with the Redbulls, and the Galaxy have added midfielder Chris Birchall.

-MLS Week 17 recaps: WVHooligan, MLS Talk

-MLS Week 17 Power Rankings: The 90th Minute, WVHooligan,  Fullback Files

-Word has come down that the Juan Carlos Osorio and the Redbulls staff are safe for now, but plans to sign youth player Dilly Duka could be derailed by MLS.

-Stuart Holden, who scored the clutch tying goal against Haiti, could be a future face for the USMNT according to MLS-Talk.

-Does signing players like Julian De Guzman hurt the league?

-Jozy Altidore has been loaded to Olympiakos, but others have refuted the report.

-Clint Dempsey has been tipped to have a good season by MLS-Talk.

-MLS Talk discusses the view so far of the Gold Cup and discusses how the roster has an Olympic feel.

What do you think of these stories? How will the USMNT lineup look for the rest of the Gold Cup? Are you looking forward to the return of David Beckham? Where do you think Danny Szetela will land? Share your thoughts below.