goalkeepers

A defensively intelligent midfielder with an excellent read of the game, Hjulmand anticipates danger before it fully develops. Time and again, he's the one to break up the opposition’s attack, turning defence into swift counter-attacks that often end with a ball in behind.

Strong and aggressive in the tackle, Hjulmand is often the assister to the assister—the silent link in the chain. He may not always get the credit, but he’s every bit as vital to Sporting’s style and success as the stars up front.

Typically speaking, the biggest U.S. Men's national teams stars to crack it in Europe have been either attackers—think Christian Pulisic, Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey—or goalkeepers like Tim Howard, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller.