Who's got next? Paxten Aaronson, John Tolkin among seven USMNT hopefuls who have made their case for the 2025 Gold Cup

While a potential return for his older brother wouldn't be a surprise either, the younger Aaronson has also played his way into contention with the senior group.

The loan to FC Utrecht has been a masterstroke for Paxten Aaronson, with the former Philadelphia Union starlet taking several leaps forward throughout this season in the Eredivisie. Just 21, Aaronson leads the club in goals with seven as they push for a European spot. After shining at the Olympics last summer, Aaronson has surely been awaiting his USMNT chance, and based on his club performances, it could be coming soon.

Capable of playing either out wide or as a No. 10, Aaronson surely faces some competition in either position, including from his older brother, Brenden. Even so, Aaronson has earned his place on merit, having improved as a player since he suited up for the U.S. U23s last summer.

Injuries have impacted his start in the Bundesliga, but when he has been healthy, John Tolkin has been spectacular.

Playing for a team fighting against relegation, Tolkin has provided two assists in just nine matches, seven of which have been starts. During his time with the New York Red Bulls, Tolkin showed he was both a man for the big occasion and a dangerous dead-ball specialist. Those descriptions continue to apply even at a higher level in the Bundesliga.

It's unlikely Tolkin or anyone else will unseat the current starter at left back, Antonee Robinson, soon, but there is certainly an audition ongoing for the role of his backup. The fullback also has a fight on his hands for these next several weeks as he looks to keep his club in the Bundesliga, as Holstein Kiel look to battle their way into a playoff and avoid relegation.

There are big games ahead for Tolkin and, if he continues to play well in them, he'll have made a good case.

Imagine this one happening? Berhalter is the son of former USMNT boss Gregg, but the Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder has gone above and beyond to make a name for himself recently.

He ran the show in the Whitecaps' two-legged CONCACAF Champions Cup takedown of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami providing two goals and two assists in the semifinal win. Sandwiched between those two wins was another goal in Vancouver's 3-1 win over Minnesota United, while the midfielder also found the back of the net in April's triumph over Pumas.

In terms of pure form, few can compare to Berhalter right now. The 23-year-old is leaping to a whole new level, and while USMNT talk may be premature, Pochettino's willingness to include MLS standouts could just open up a spot for him on the team.

Due to injury, it took Wiley some time to find his footing Watford but, once he did, it was easy to see why he's been so coveted early on in his career.

The ex-Atlanta United starlet joined Chelsea last year and spent the first half of the season on loan with Strasbourg. Loan rules and an injury ended up requiring him to return, and he promptly joined Watford in the Championship. Once he did get healthy, he began to show his quality, proving himself more than capable in the rough-and-tumble Championship.

Wiley started eight of his 10 appearances for Watford, putting in solid shifts on that left-hand side. Part of the 20-year-old's allure is that he provides depth anywhere on the left, which makes him a valuable asset in a tournament setting. Defensively, he won more than 60 percent of his duels while, on the attacking side of the ball, he showed an ability to go forward, headlined by an assist against Hull City.

Part-backup to Robinson and part-supersub winger, Wiley could be useful if he is called in now and, if he continues to develop, he could certainly grow into a bigger role.

Speaking of players that can play anywhere on that left-hand side, Paredes recently returned to the field after an extended absence.

The Wolfsburg youngster had been out since August due to injury, but made his return on April 19 against Mainz. He immediately provided an assist, albeit one that was largely due to the finish from Maximilian Arnold. Still, you get credit for making things happen, and when he has been on the field, Paredes has generally been good at making things happen.

Like Wiley, Paredes' versatility is an asset, although there will be questions about his fitness since he returned so late in the season. He also recently missed a clash with Borussia Dortmund with a minor injury that could limit his ability to finish the season strongly. Still, he's one to keep an eye on due to what he can bring when healthy.

This is the fun one, and a player USMNT fans have been discussing for the last few months. Given the competition at the center-back position, could Noahkai Banks provide an answer in both the short and long term?

The 18-year-old defender broke through to make some appearances with Augsburg earlier this season, but has played sparingly since February. He's currently dealing with a muscle injury, but that isn't expected to sideline him long-term.

Banks was named to the USMNT's preliminary roster for the Nations League Finals, which lets us know that Pochettino is watching. It also lets us know that U.S. Soccer sees Banks, who has played up to the U20 level for the U.S., as a realistic option despite additional ties to Germany.

Realistically, the teenager is still likely a few years away from really contending for a starting spot, but maybe a Gold Cup run could be the launchpad he needs to make his case even sooner.

The USMNT struggled with a lack of width during the Nations League and, of the USMNT's wingers, few are in better form than Yow.

Playing at Belgian side Westerlo, Yow has scored five goals in his last seven games, helping the club push towards a potential Europa Conference League spot. Form isn't everything, as evidenced by Alejandro Zendejas' omission for the Nations League, but Yow's goals certainly do make a case.

A call-up wouldn't come from nowhere, either. Yow also made the preliminary list in March and was a member of the Olympic team, starting every game. He's yet to have that USMNT breakthrough, but as transfer rumors swirl, Yow seems to be gearing up for bigger moments ahead.