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 US announced its Gold Cup roster on Thursday. The roster is a mix of veterans who are trying to earn their place back, young players getting a look for depth, and a couple of roster fillers who have no future with the USMNT.

The other day, I posted who I would like to see selected for the Gold Cup. Twelve of the twenty-three players were selected from my list. The most disappointing names left off are Marco Vidal, Geoff Cameron, Chris Pontius, and Jeremiah White. It is possible Vidal may have declined a call-up and White is preparing for the start of his season in Denmark, but Cameron and Pontius should have been added.

Goalkeepers: Jon Busch, Troy Perkins, Luis Robles

There is no clear starter in this group. One approach would be to give each player a start in the group stage. Robles is likely the first choice, since he has been training with the ‘A’ team in South Africa.

Defenders: Steve Cherundolo, Jimmy Conrad, Clarence Goodson, Jay Heaps, Chad Marshall, Michael Parkhurst, Heath Pearce

A couple of veterans will attempt to earn their starting spots back in Cherundolo and Pearce. There is a glut of center backs, all fighting for minutes. Conrad is a pleasant surprise, since he has not been with the team since 2007. The biggest disappointment is Jay Heaps. Better left-back options were available.

Midfielders: Davy Arnaud, Kyle Beckerman, Colin Clark, Sam Cronin, Brad Evans, Stuart Holden, Logan Pause, Robbie Rogers

The group is a mix of MLS veterans and youngsters. Clark and Rogers will split time on the left wing, while Evans and Holden will feature on the right side. The question is who will play in the middle. Cronin is a good addition and worth a look. Beckerman is the best of the remaining, but he plays a similar role to Cronin.

Forwards: Freddy Adu, Brian Ching, Kenny Copper, Charlie Davies, Santino Quaranta

The forwards will be the strength of the squad. Ching and Davies are locks for 2010, barring injury. Cooper will try to prove that he can score goals outside of MLS and Adu will get meaningful minutes.

What do you think of Bob Bradley’s selections? Did he leave anyone off that deserved a chance? Were you surprised some of the players chosen? Share below.