3 Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley began his youth career playing for Chicago Sockers and eventually the IMG Soccer Academy, where he trained from 2002 to 2004.
His promising displays on the field attracted the attentions of MetroStars, who at the time were coached by his father, but a foot injury prevented him from playing a single game in his first season at the club.
However, in 2005 he bounced back in style, playing 30 out of 32-matches for the Metros. In 2006 the player signed with SC Heerenveen, and in two seasons he managed 52 matches, contributing 16 goals along the way. In 2008 Bradley signed a four-year contract with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach where he has since established himself as a regular in the starting XI.
In 2006 Bradley was invited to train with the World Cup squad, and although not a member of the team, he was on the roster for the three send-off friendlies played prior to the tournament. He eventually made his international debut on May 26, 2006 against Venezuela as a substitute.
Bradley already has 41 international caps to his name, and will be looking to add to his seven goals in South Africa. During USA’s unlikely run to the 2009 Confederations Cup final, Bradley scored his side’s second to help the team progress to the semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over Egypt, but he would sit out the 3-2 final defeat to Brazil through suspension.
