DALLAS -- By now you know that U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann has selected a veteran-heavy squad for next month's Copa America Centenario and that there was no place on it for blue-chip prospects such as Kellyn Acosta, Matt Miazga and Jordan Morris. But it would be wrong to think this is an old roster; this group of 23 players is slightly younger than the one Klinsmann took to the World Cup in Brazil two years ago.
"I think it's a good mix of young guys, old guys, guys with experience, guys who may be lacking a little bit of experience but will bring some youthful exuberance and some fresh blood into the group," captain Michael Bradley told reporters here before Wednesday's friendly in nearby Frisco, Texas (8 p.m. ET, ESPN2/WatchESPN).
Here's a look at the nine young players -- all of them 25 or younger -- to whom Bradley was referring, including their stock heading into this summer, likely role at Copa America and best-case scenario in the tournament.
Steve Birnbaum | 25 | Defender
The D.C. United defender, now in his third year as a pro, has moved up the ranks quickly after being a late addition to Klinsmann's original January/February camp roster. Birnbaum, who is particularly good in the air, started the Americans' most recent World Cup qualifier and could be in contention to start at Copa if veteran Geoff Cameron isn't fully recovered from the sore hamstring he arrived with after the European season. "He has some elements that we really like," Klinsmann said of Birnbaum. "And now he gets a big, big chance to show that on a big stage."
Best-case Copa scenario: Starts one or more matches, develops chemistry with John Brooks and lays the foundation to become a viable starting center-back option later in the cycle.
John Brooks | 23 | Defender
Brooks is coming off a career-best season with hometown club Hertha Berlin. The German-American will partner with Cameron (or Birnbaum) in the Americans' June 3 opener but, like Cameron, has some health issues of his own after a grueling Bundesliga campaign. But he's a far more mature player than he was when he scored that unforgettable winner against Ghana in the World Cup -- or even last summer at the Gold Cup, when he and then-partner Ventura Alvarado struggled.
Best-case Copa scenario: Proves that he can stay healthy and be the dominant force he was in Germany last season.
Ethan Horvath | 20 | Goalkeeper
Because his Norwegian club, Molde, still has one league game left to play on Sunday before the Tippeligaen breaks for Euro 2016, the Colorado-born Horvath won't join the U.S. squad until after the Yanks get to Santa Clara, California, in the days leading up to the Copa opener (2015 U20 World Cup standout Zack Steffen will back up Brad Guzan and Tim Howard in the tuneup games). As the third keeper, Horvath almost certainly won't play. But he'll pick up valuable experience working with Guzan and Howard -- a poster of whom used to hang on a young Horvath's bedroom wall.
Best-case Copa scenario: Takes another step forward in his development on the way to becoming Guzan's main challenger for the No. 1 keeper spot at Russia 2018.
Perry Kitchen | 24 | Midfielder
Kitchen was perhaps the biggest surprise on Klinsmann's squad, and in a crowded central midfield that includes surefire starters Bradley and Jermaine Jones plus decorated veteran Kyle Beckerman, it's hard to see the ex-D.C. United man getting much playing time. Still, just making the cut is a major step forward for the Scotland-based destroyer, who Klinsmann sees as a potential long-term successor to the stay-at-home Beckerman, who is now 34.
Best-case Copa scenario: Uses his inclusion this summer to establish himself as a regular call-up and gets on the field during the tournament.
Darlington Nagbe | 25 | Midfielder
Youth might have earned the Portland Timbers playmaker a roster spot ahead of 29-year-old fellow MLS standout Lee Nguyen, but Nagbe's silky first touch probably also had a lot to do with it. He won't start at Copa, but Nagbe could be an important weapon off the bench if the U.S. is trying to hold on to a second-half lead; perhaps no player in the U.S. pool is better at keeping possession, and keeping the ball might be crucial if the U.S. is under heavy pressure from a desperate foe.
Best-case Copa scenario: Strong performances off the bench lead to consideration for a starting role as the tournament progresses and beyond.
Christian Pulisic | 17 | Midfielder/forward
Pulisic missed the Americans' friendly win against Puerto Rico last weekend because of Borussia Dortmund's involvement in the German Cup final (which they lost to Bayern Munich). But the teenager, who made nine Bundesliga appearances (two goals) and 12 in all competitions over the final four months of BVB's season, could see action against Ecuador and in the U.S.' last pre-tourney tuneup against Bolivia. If Pulisic does well there, he'll put himself in contention to start -- if not right from the opener, then certainly as the competition progresses.
Best-case Copa scenario: Gets minutes early in the tournament, scores and/or facilitates several dangerous attacks and secures an attacking role -- off the bench or otherwise -- moving forward.
Bobby Wood | 23 | Forward
Wood arrived in this camp on the back of a 17-goal season for German second-tier side Union Berlin that earned him transfer to (and long-term contract with) Bundesliga mainstay Hamburg. He also scored a pretty goal in Puerto Rico -- a clear sign that he's confident heading into Copa America. He'll need to be, as Wood is the presumed replacement for injured veteran Jozy Altidore in Klinsmann's lineup. The coach believes Wood is up for the challenge. "I think Bobby," Klinsmann said Tuesday, "cannot wait to challenge himself."
Best-case Copa scenario: Takes the starting assignment by the horns and scores multiple goals, creating real competition for the target forward spot when Altidore returns from injury.
DeAndre Yedlin | 22 | Defender/winger
Breaking into Sunderland's lineup under hard-to-please coach Sam Allardyce has left Yedlin a far more experienced player than the one who burst onto the international stage at the 2014 World Cup. Yedlin's defending has improved to the point where Klinsmann -- who has been reluctant to play the Seattle native at right back in the past, preferring instead to use his blazing speed on the wing -- will almost certainly start him there throughout the tournament.
Best-case Copa scenario: Is able to lock down the top-end wingers he'll come up against while also providing dangerous runs and crosses that lead to American goals.
Gyasi Zardes | 24 | Midfielder/forward
The athletic and hardworking Southern Californian is quietly having his best season for the LA Galaxy, and his physicality and versatility will be valuable against the stiff competition the U.S. will be up against this summer. Whether it's as a starter -- and he's projected to be in Klinsmann lineup as of now -- or off the bench, Zardes will have a major role to play for the Americans this summer.
Best-case Copa scenario: Holds onto his starting job by contributing goals or assists to the U.S. attack.