USA vs. Venezuela: Brek Shea Must Have Big Match to Prove Himself

If Brek Shea is going to be the next big thing for the United States, he must play well against Venezuela.

Many people believe that Shea will provide the U.S. with the attacking skill they've been lacking. While he doesn't solve the striker issue (hopefully Jozy Altidore can play well when he returns to the national side), he will give the Americans width and pace.

Shea needs to play well because the U.S. is missing the normal starters, Venezuela is not that good and he needs to show that he can take over a match.

If Jurgen Klinsmann wants to improve on his 2-4-1 record, the U.S. needs to start winning. Heading into these friendlies, however, the team will be without most of their starters.

Enter Shea.

He is the only regular starter expected to play, and he needs to show why he's a regular starter. The other players will look to him, and he needs to lead the attack on the outside.

Without the starters, the U.S. could struggle against Venezuela. However, if Shea plays well, he could spark the other players, leading the U.S. to a decisive victory.

More importantly, Venezuela is not very good. Sure, they have some talented players here and there, but they do not have the talent to overwhelm the United States.

With that said, the U.S. has grown notorious for losing to seemingly inferior teams. If the U.S. is not diligent for 90 minutes, they could very easily lose this game.

Again, if Shea plays well, he could very easily be the best player on the field. If so, the United States has a good chance to win the match.

More importantly, this game could show how much Shea has developed. The 21-year-old has played well for the U.S. so far, but he hasn't been a big difference-maker in front of the net.

That's where the Americans must improve.

If Shea doesn't play well in this match, maybe he isn't quite ready to be a great player for the United States. Maybe he needs another year or two before he can be trusted to dominate games on the outside.

However, if Shea plays very well and helps the U.S. win, then he will solidify himself as an American star. He would be a prime example of the United States' bright future in soccer.

Therefore, since the U.S. is without the normal starters, playing an inferior opponent and desperate for a star player, Shea must play well to prove that he can be that star player.

Shea has the ability. He simply needs to prove it.