U21 US Men's National Team Top 10 announced

Hope is the fuel that keeps many soccer fans coming back. No matter how dire a team's immediate prospects may be, youth players on the horizon can keep the flame of optimism alive.

The future of the U.S. men's national team is far from bleak, but the impulse to look to the future is just as strong, especially as the Americans threaten to join the elite and break into the later stages of tournaments. Would one more special player have provided that extra nudge needed to make a massive breakthrough, and say, reach a World Cup semifinal? Without question. But while it's fun to dream, finding and developing those players remains a long, hard slog for the powers that be in this country.

That said, there are some players who -- if the soccer gods are kind enough to smile on them, and reward their dedication -- could end up having a significant impact on the U.S. team for years to come. Here are the top 10 players under the age of 21 whom fans should keep an eye on.

1. Juan Agudelo, forward, New York Red Bulls

2. Josh Gatt, midfielder/forward, Molde FK

The U.S. soccer landscape is littered with players who made the jump to Europe only to sink into obscurity. So far, Gatt has not only managed to avoid those pitfalls, his performances suggests a very promising future. Possessed of blazing speed and acceleration, the Michigan native bypassed college and MLS, spending a year with Austrian side SC Rheindorf Altach before moving to Norway, where he helped Molde win Norway's Tippeligaen for the first time in its 100-year history.

During the just-concluded season, Gatt spent the majority of his time at right back, but also saw minutes at right wing and right midfield in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's 4-3-3. While his pace allowed him to easily get forward, his future with the U.S. would appear to lie closer to goal.

"Not only does he have the athleticism, but he has the technical and tactical ability to be a top player," said former U.S. U-20 head coach Thomas Rongen.

A hamstring injury cut short his club season last fall, depriving him of a call-up to the full national team, but with exposure via the U.S. Olympic squad as well in the UEFA Champions League on the horizon, Gatt could yet make his mark with Klinsmann's side.

For the rest of the list check out the original ESPN article