Jurgen Klinsmann has been making news every time he opens his mouth lately, but lost in the outspoken U.S. coach's comments about Michael Bradley's tough first season in Toronto, his desire to see promotion and relegation in MLS and Landon Donovan's unconventional career choices were some other remarks that understandably flew under the radar by comparison.
Specifically, the things Klinsmann said about Alejandro Bedoya, Jermaine Jones and Michael Orozco over the past two weeks provided some clues into the sorts of roles the boss sees those veterans in over the next year or so. Knowing that also helps us understand where a few other guys might fit into his plans, too.
Coming off a busy first weekend of club soccer following the national team's two October friendlies, let's get right to it and a look at where 10 U.S. regulars -- and one red-hot hopeful -- stand.
Warming up:
Alejandro Bedoya, M, Nantes (France)
Why he's here: Klinsmann sees Bedoya as a major contributor this cycle, perhaps as a central midfielder. "I think he can develop into a real box to box player," Klinsmann, in an interview with ussoccer.com, said of the 27-year-old.
What this means: With younger, faster players emerging on the wings, it's no surprise that the coach experimented with Bedoya in the middle, where he usually plays in Ligue 1. Klinsmann will also lean on the vet -- one of the few playing regularly in Europe -- for experience.
Terrence Boyd, F, Red Bull Leipzig (Germany)
Why he's here: After missing the first two months of the season with a knee injury, Boyd made his league debut for the 2. Bundesliga club last week.
What this means: Target forward options are few after Jozy Altidore -- who didn't even make Sunderland's bench on Saturday -- which makes a healthy Boyd a given for next month's friendlies against Croatia and Ireland.
John Brooks, D, Hertha Berlin (Germany)
Why he's here: Following last month's demotion to Hertha's reserves, Brooks returned to the first team on Saturday as expected, coming off the bench for Jos Luhukay's team in a 2-0 loss at Schalke.
What this means: Luhukay -- who is in regular contact with Klinsmann -- has taken a tough-love approach with the 21-year-old, who still has maturing to do on and off the field. And Luhukay seems willing to work with him. That's good, but the onus is now on Brooks to repay that trust in the months ahead.
Geoff Cameron, D/M, Stoke City (England)
Why he's here: Finally recovered from hernia surgery, Cameron made his first Premier League appearance of the season on Sunday, coming off the bench in Stoke's 2-1 win over Swansea.
What this means: It's noteworthy that Cameron, who is hoping to play in the middle for the Potters this season after spending most of his two years in England at outside back, came on for central midfielder Stephen Ireland.
Lee Nguyen, M, New England Revolution (MLS)
Why he's here: It's not just the 17 goals that lead all MLS midfielders; Nguyen has been Mr. Clutch, too, with a league-best eight game winners.
What this means: Some question the 28-year-old's physical tools at the international level. But his defense has improved since he last played for the U.S., back at the 2007 Copa America, and Klinsmann puts a premium on skill. Nguyen has tons, so look for him to get the chance he's earned this season, probably in January.
Michael Orozco, D, Puebla (Mexico)
Why he's here: He's made two starts in the three games since the World Cup, which Klinsmann said the Mexican-American center back would've been in the mix for had he not been injured ahead of May's pre-Brazil training camp.
What this means: The U.S. coach rates the 28-year-old highly even if others don't, so expect Orozco to keep getting opportunities in the near term.
Cooling down:
Michael Bradley, M, Toronto (MLS)
Why he's here: However you slice it, Klinsmann's view on Bradley's prospects for improvement at TFC has to be seen as a direct challenge to the two-time World Cup veteran.
What this means: Bradley's commitment to the cause is unquestioned, and if any U.S. player can prove the coach wrong -- and you can bet the 27-year-old is bent on doing that now -- it's him.
Joe Corona, M, Tijuana (Mexico)
Why he's here: Three days after appearing for the U.S. against Honduras, the 27-year-old Californian broke his foot in a Liga MX match Friday and is expected to miss the rest of 2014.
What this means: It's an unfortunate blow for a player who has featured in all three U.S. games since Brazil 2014 after being one of the final cuts for the tournament. But Corona will still be a key player for the Xolos in 2015, which will mean more chances with the national team.
Omar Gonzalez, D, LA Galaxy (MLS)
Why he's here: Klinsmann's use of Jermaine Jones at right center back against the Catrachos wouldn't go unnoticed by Gonzalez, who was red-carded late in LA's 2-2 tie against Seattle on Sunday night.
What this means: The call was harsh, but Gonzalez will have to stay on the field and on top of his game to stave off stiff competition from Jones, Cameron and Orozco over the next year.
Joe Gyau, M, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
Why he's here: The 22-year-old winger is expected to be out until January after undergoing surgery to repair the knee he hurt in the 1-1 tie versus Ecuador.
What this means: The timing is terrible for Gyau, who had just begun to break into Dortmund's first team. Minutes could be harder to come by after the winter break, when several other regulars should be back from injuries of their own.