Turner and Wangler Pick Top 5 USMNT Players of All Time
- Jonathan Turner
- Aug 19
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
When it comes to U.S. Soccer history, few debates spark more passion than who belongs on the list of the greatest USMNT players of all time. On NSN, Jonathan Turner and Nathan Wangler went head-to-head with their personal Top 5 rankings, mixing past legends with today’s stars who continue to define American soccer.
Both lists feature a mix of legends from the past three decades and current stars who continue to shape American soccer’s global reputation.
Jonathan Turner’s Top 5
Turner leans on a balance of historic icons and modern-day heroes, highlighting players who made an impact on the biggest stages:
5.) Eric Wynalda – One of the early faces of U.S. Soccer in the 1990s and scorer of the first U.S. goal in a World Cup since 1950.
4.) Tim Howard – A world-class goalkeeper remembered for his record-breaking 16-save performance in the 2014 World Cup against Belgium.
3.)Christian Pulisic – The present-day leader of U.S. Soccer and the face of the current generation, already with a Champions League title to his name.
2.)Clint Dempsey – Known for his fearlessness, creativity, and goalscoring ability, Dempsey is tied for the all-time USMNT scoring record.
1.) Landon Donovan – The gold standard for U.S. Soccer greatness, Donovan’s World Cup heroics and MLS dominance keep him atop Turner’s list.
Nathan Wangler’s Top 5
Nathan Wangler’s Top 5
Wangler’s list includes more of the creative midfielders who helped shape the program in its rise on the international stage:
5.) Claudio Reyna – A central figure in the U.S. midfield during the late 1990s and early 2000s, Reyna set the foundation for future generations.
4.) Tim Howard – A consensus pick for both Turner and Wangler, Howard’s international legacy is cemented by his longevity and leadership .
3.) Clint Dempsey – The Texan forward’s fiery playing style and clutch scoring made him a fan favorite and an all-time great.
2.) Landon Donovan – A staple in U.S. Soccer history and still considered one of the most complete American players ever.
1.) Christian Pulisic – Wangler puts “Captain America” at the very top, viewing Pulisic as the player capable of carrying U.S. Soccer into new territory on the world stage.
A Generational Divide
Both lists agree on the greatness of Howard, Dempsey, Donovan, and Pulisic, though the order shows a generational difference in perspective. Turner stays loyal to Donovan’s World Cup moments and consistency, while Wangler believes Pulisic’s ongoing prime places him above all others.
As for the debate? It’s one that will continue for years, especially as the next generation of U.S. talent looks to carve its own legacy ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
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