The 2015 Gold Cup is about to get underway and every player wants to become a big star in CONCACAF's most important tournament. They want to be the man responsible for leading their team to the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia. Landon Donovan won't be there to repeat his accomplishment from 2013, so there could be a new MVP.
1) Carlos Vela, Mexico
The player from Real Sociedad did not have the best season with his club in Spain as he suffered a knee injury that had him sidelined for almost two months. The Mexican striker is expected to play a key role in getting his team into the finals and become the 2015 champions. With the absence of Javier Hernandez, his role just got more crucial for Miguel Herrera's team. Vela was part of the team that won the 2011 Gold Cup.
WATCH: After a long absence with El Tri, Vela scored this goal in his comeback game
2) Giovanni dos Santos, Mexico
If El Tri has six Gold Cup titles, in large part it is due to the former Barcelona player who now belongs to Villarreal. Mexico had fell behind in a game against the United States 0-2 and ended up winning 4-2 with a great goal from Gio. Now, as a more mature player, you can expect him to work on connecting the midfield with the offensive line. His experience of playing in Europe his whole life is something El Piojo can always count on.
WATCH: Gio scored one of the best goals in Gold Cup history
3) Michael Bradley, United States
Son of the former United States coach, Bob Bradley, has been called-up constantly by Jurgen Klinsmann. The German coach wanted experience in his players for this Gold Cup and that is something he will get from Bradley. The central midfielder has been named the new captain in the USMNT, replacing his teammate Clint Dempsey from that honor. He could reach 100 caps with the national team if they make it past the group stage. Bradley has scored 13 goals for the U.S. and spent eight years with several European clubs like Roma.
WATCH: Bradley has made a client out of Mexico
4) Bryan Ruiz, Costa Rica
A leader in Costa Rica's 2014 World Cup team, can be the man to watch for Los Ticos in this Gold Cup just over a year later. The striker for Fullham, that may be moving to play for Sporting Lisboa, is expected to continue to be a leader for the team managed by Paulo Wanchope, a former player for the national team he now coaches. Ruiz has not enjoyed a particularly great season with Fullham, but he is known for giving it his best when wearing the jersey of his country for which he has scored 17 goals in 74 games since 2005.
WATCH: Ruiz scored goals like this during the 2014 World Cup
5) Jozy Altidore, United States
Altidore may not have been called for his performances in recent games with Toronto FC, but mostly for what he represents when playing with the red, white and blue squad. Altidore was called to be the next Landon Donovan, but at 25, he still may be far away from being in that position. The young striker has played in many European clubs like Sunderland in England and Villarreal in Spain. He has scored 27 goals in 80 games with the USMNT. If Klinsmann's team wants to move on in the competition, Altidore's accuracy will be very important.
WATCH: He scored this beauty against Guadeloupe
