With most of the big names absent, GOAL takes a look at the players and positions to keep a close eye on in Saturday's friendly clash

Even by January camp standards, this U.S. men's national team group feels different. Those that follow the U.S. know what these camps are like. They're almost always exclusively MLS-based, and they're almost always a chance for two or three players to take a leap forward. For the others in the squad, it'll be a good experience, but not one that will rock the boat with the main group.

This year's camp, though, isn't entirely focused on identifying talent for that main group. Instead, it's something of a hybrid: a mix of USMNT contributors and Olympic hopefuls with an eye on Paris later this year.

It can be seen in the roster selection. A total of 14 players have been in a USMNT camp for the first time, while a total of 16 of the 21 players will be seeking their first senior caps on Saturday against a Slovenia team also loaded with young, on-the-fringes talent.

"In general, before the day’s over I'd expect probably 13, 14 players to make their debut," said USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter. "So it's going to be a nice afternoon for a lot of guys and they deserve it after a strong camp."

He added: “The first thing is, winning is important. That's who we are. That's what we represent as a national team. Coming to terms with that, for some of the younger players to feel the pressure and have to go out there and perform and get a victory, I think is an important psychological barrier that we need to overcome.”

So what younger players should viewers keep an eye on, and which players will be hoping to break into the main USMNT group going forward? GOAL has you covered with a closer look at the players to watch during Saturday's friendly vs Slovenia.

GettyThe goalkeepers

We're going to group these three together because they will all feel they have something to play for heading into this camp.

As things stand, Matt Turner is the USMNT No.1 and that probably isn't changing any time soon despite recent struggles at Nottingham Forest. But behind him? There's plenty of debate about who can take over those spots. Gaga Slonina is young, Ethan Horvath isn't playing, Zack Steffen just made a big move and Sean Johnson is already 34, and that leads us to the three goalkeepers in this camp.

Both Drake Callender and Roman Celentano will feel like they have a legitimate shot at a Copa America spot, and strong performances in this camp would do plenty to help. It remains to be seen who Berhalter goes with in goal and for how long, but it's safe to say the two of them do have a real chance of being with the full team at some point this year.

As for Patrick Schulte, the Columbus Crew rising star, he'll need a bit of seasoning, but could very well play a part for the Olympic team this year. His rise has been rapid, though, so don't write him off as he joins the USMNT for the first time.

"In terms of tomorrow, the goalkeeper will be an uncapped player and we're looking forward to seeing what they can do," Berhalter said on Friday. "It's been, I think, a good camp for the goalkeepers in general, and again, like all the players, now it's what you do on the field in front of a crowd against an opponent."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMiles Robinson

He's the leader of this group by virtue of him being the most experienced player. And, right now, Miles Robinson is also under the microscope.

His decision to sign with FC Cincinnati, rightly or wrongly, left a lot of fans frustrated. Many who follow the USMNT believe that Robinson has what it takes to play at a high level in Europe. Instead, he opted to stay home, joining a very, very good FC Cincy team while also securing a pretty good payday, too.

Because of that decision, the margin for error is a bit smaller in Robinson's case. He'll need to be a best XI-calibre defender in MLS to really contend for a starting spot at the Copa America this summer. He can do it, sure, but anything less than spectacular won't be good enough.

This camp is a good chance to quieten down some naysayers, even if it won't do much to silence all of them. A strong performance in this friendly would be a nice reminder of how good Robinson is as he pushes towards the Copa America.

Esmir Bajraktarevic

From the most experienced player to the youngest in the group. What a moment this could be for young Esmir Bajraktarevic.

The 18-year-old New England Revolution starlet Is still very, very young, with just 16 total MLS appearances and six total starts to his name. However, Berhalter and co. clearly see him as a player who could help the team in the future, leading to his call-up this month.

“The coaching staff has been really impressed with him,” said Berhalter. “Really impressed with his skill set. He's 18 years old, but he's got a strong mentality, very competitive, very aggressive on the ball, willing to do the work defensively, and has coped really well with the environment. You would think that a young player, 18 years old, comes in and is shy and is afraid to impose himself on the field, but this is the exact opposite of Esmir, and we think he's got a great future ahead of him.”

That future probably won't be with the full USMNT for quite a while. Instead, the young attacker will be shooting to be one of the younger members of the Olympic squad this summer. It'll be interesting to see how he handles a potential first cap and how he uses that to build into this MLS season.

Buda Mendes – FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesDiego Luna

If you follow MLS, you'll know plenty about Moon Boy. All sauce and all fun, the Real Salt Lake star is a throwback player who's simply willing to try things.

Luna is one of MLS' rising stars, a player that neutrals love to watch because of the fun he brings to the game. His ascendance hasn't been straightforward, as he's had to learn some lessons, but he really started to break out at the tail end of last season. His two playoff goals felt like a proper arrival for a player who will hope for bigger and better in 2024.

The year should begin with a USMNT debut for a player who was key for the U-20s throughout the last cycle. An Olympic spot almost certainly awaits for the 20-year-old and it'll be interesting to see how his style fits in with the senior group if and when his moment comes with the full-strength side.