5 MLS Players to Watch for World Cup 2018

It’s 1,415 days until World Cup 2018 in Russia, and already visions of Julian Green and Gedion Zelalem are dancing through the minds of the US faithful. And not without good reason. Most nations not called Germany would kill to have two attack-minded prodigies under 20 playing for Champions League squads.

It’s very much worth remembering, however, that 8 MLS stars played major roles in Brazil. And I’m not including Chris Wondolowski…he knows why.

Jun 16, 2014; Natal, BRAZIL; USA defender Timothy Chandler (21), forward Aron Johannsson defender John Brooks (6), forward Julian Green (16) and defender DeAndre Yedlin (2) against Ghana during the 2014 World Cup at Estadio das Dunas. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

So let’s look past Europe for a moment. Heck, let’s look past USMNT veterans playing in the MLS like Dempsey, Bradley, and Yedlin. Sure, Zelalem and Green look like surefire superstars, but if the past is any indication, current MLS youngsters will play hugely important roles for the USMNT as well.

Here are 5 MLS players to watch (Click Next to View Slide Show):