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USMNT: 5 Players who should test themselves in Europe

By Tyler Spinnenweber

LEIRIA, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 14: Antunes of Portugal competes for the ball with Tyler Adams of USA during the International Friendly match between Portugal and USA at Estadio Municipal Leiria on November 14, 2017 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
LEIRIA, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 14: Antunes of Portugal competes for the ball with Tyler Adams of USA during the International Friendly match between Portugal and USA at Estadio Municipal Leiria on November 14, 2017 in Leiria, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – MAY 07: Jozy Altidore
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4. Walker Zimmerman

At 24 years old Walker Zimmerman only has one cap for the U.S. National Team. The team missed John Brooks during the last few qualifying games. We saw how bad Omar Gonzalez and Tim Ream can be. So who will the U.S. pair with Brooks for the future? Matt Miazga and Cameron Carter-Vickers are future candidates. Maybe Steve Birnbaum or Matt Hedges.

Zimmerman could be the guy provided he goes to Europe.

Zimmerman won MLS Defender of the Year in 2016 to which Michael McColl of Goal.com said,

"Zimmerman claimed a starting spot from the first game of the 2016 season and never gave it up, going on to make 30 starts. Zimmerman helped the team record 11 clean sheets while also adding four goals at the other end of the pitch, three of them game-winners. The best producer on the Dallas back line, Zimmerman was third in MLS for clearances (157), third in aerials won (99) and fifth in interceptions (101). He’s still young, and in some areas still raw, and he was put the test a lot this season but came out the other side stronger and looks to have a long future in the game, wherever that may take him."

Zimmerman has had trials in Sweden a few years back and has also garnered interest from a few Bundisliga II teams including VfB Stuttgart and Hanover 96 via Charles Boem of MLSSoccer.com.

A move to Europe will likely not take place this season though as MLS expansion franchise Los Angeles FC recently acquired the 6’3 center back as they prepare for their inaugural season.

Zimmerman has proved himself in the MLS. He should look to take his talents to Germany.

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