On Dempsey, Donovan, and Altidore: The United States' three keys to success in the World Cup

The U.S. has a legitimate chance to really make some waves in the World Cup this year. They should at least be able to get past the Group Stage. But if they are going to do anything at all, they are going to need a big contribution from three men, starting strikers Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore. As we saw in the friendly against Turkey, it's not only important that these three do well individually but also that they work well together. And from the looks of that second half, they will do just fine.

I'm going to profile these three guys to get a better understanding of what their individual contributions will be, as well as how they will work together:

1. Landon Donovan. Age: 28. Club: Los Angeles Galaxy. Hometown: Ontario, California.



Strengths: Pace, a wealth of experience (over 140 caps), two-footed, great finishing touch, great passer.

Weaknesses: Occassionally misses opportunities going for the big play.

Donovan is the poster boy of the United States national team. This is because he has been unquestionably accepted as their best player. He is also one of the only starters for the U.S. that is still playing in the MLS, though he is currently on loan to Everton. Donovan is really the most complete player the team has, and is behind nearly every goal the team has scored, registering 8 assists in the U.S.'s qualifying run.

We saw in the Turkey game how he completely juked out the goalkeeper, and instead of taking an open shot on goal, passed it over to teammate Altidore for a guaranteed goal. This is the kind of selfless play that makes Donovan the key to the United States' success in South Africa.

2. Clint Dempsey. Age: 27. Club: Fulham. Hometown: Nacogdoches, Texas.



Strengths: Ball skills, voracious playing style, toughness

Weaknesses: Lacking a bit of pace, has trouble finishing goals occassionally

Clint Dempsey is one of the most successful Americans to play abroad ever, as he became the first American to ever appear in a Europa Final last month with his club Fulham. At home, Dempsey is the closest thing the United States has to a "beast" in the forward position. The man who once broke John Terry's jaw in a friendly is the inspirational aspect of the United States' team. He is a leader on the field and inspires everyone around him to play with the same tenacity that he does. He can be played on either wing, as he is also two-footed like Donovan.

Dempsey will do whatever it takes to win, and that kind of attitude will go a long way in the tournament in 9 days' time.

3. Jozy Altidore. Age: 20. Club: Villareal. Hometown: Livingston, New Jersey.



Strengths: impeccable ball skills, great pace, scoring ability.

Weaknesses: has difficulty delivering in the final third, makes mistakes and loses possesion.

Altidore is the future of American soccer, and he has had that title for a while now. He's one of the most exciting players to watch on the U.S. team with the ball at his feet, as he is capable of doing some pretty amazing things. He is normally the man on the end of Donovan's assists getting the goals and they will need to dial in that connection frequently throughout the tournament.

With Charlie Davies unable to play for the U.S. because of a car accident, Altidore has big shoes to fill, but he has already shown that he is more than capable. He just needs to remember to rely on his teammates in the final third and maybe slow things down a little.

These are the three key players for the United States in the tournament this year, watch for them to make the sparks fly, if any are going to.