da esoccer bet： Without some key players for the opening game in Argentina, coach Mikey Varas has some key selection decisions to make

da cassino： At each of the last three Under-20 World Cups, the U.S. has reached the quarter-final stage. And, at each of the last three U20 World Cups, the U.S. has stumbled at that same hurdle.

The U.S. U20 men's national team will hope things will be different this time around as they head to Argentina for this year's tournament with a squad loaded with experience. Several players already have USMNT camps to their name, while several others have emerged as big contributors for clubs all over the world.

Still, Mikey Varas' squad is far from full strength. Key players like Paxten Aaronson and Jalen Neal saw their potential participation blocked by their clubs, while several other stars won't be available for the start of the tournament. In fact, the U.S. will only have 15 outfield players for their first match against Ecuador, giving Varas some difficult decisions to make for what might be his side's toughest group test.

With that in mind, GOAL breaks down how the U.S. should line up in the first game of the U20 World Cup:

GettyGK: Gaga Slonina

No questions here. With his USMNT debut already behind him despite his age, Slonina is the starter without a doubt. The Chelsea starlet is the USMNT's next great goalkeeper, and the next step of his development will come in Argentina, where he should play every minute if all goes to plan.

AdvertisementGettyLB: Jonathan Gomez

He's still waiting for his debut at Real Sociedad, but Gomez is another player that has already logged minutes with the USMNT. A solid left-back that came up with Louisville City, Gomez's development has come in Real Sociedad's youth teams, where he was briefly under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso. Competition for spots on the left will be fierce, but Gomez should be steady at left-back.

Getty ImagesCB: Josh Wynder

American soccer's next big export, Wynder should be a go-to player for the U20s before heading to Benfica. The Louisville City star has been compared to Virgil van Dijk and, while those comparisons are very premature, it does show just how good the teenager is. He's playing up an age group, so there could be difficult moments against better teams, but Wynder should be just fine.

Getty ImagesCB: Brandan Craig

The first of several Philadelphia Union starlets, Craig should be a reliable starter in central defense. He was a constant during CONCACAF qualifying and, even with Neal out, the U.S. should feel fine about the partnership between Craig and Wynder, at least as individuals.