CANADA.- Alphonso Davies signaled his vast potential on the world stage when he played in the 2017 Gold Cup. Scoring two goals in a match against French Guiana, he became the youngest ever player to score for the Canadian men's national team. He was also the youngest player to score at the Gold Cup. Now, at only 20, Davies is a seasoned veteran in the 2021 Gold Cup and is among several young Canadian stars are looking to make an impact in their first major international competition at the senior level.
Here are a few to keep an eye on during the Gold Cup:
New England Revolution forward Tajon Buchanan was named 2020 Canadian Youth International Player of the Year for a reason, given that he scored two goals in the Canadian Olympic team’s qualifying quest. Buchanan has already been capped four times for Canada and made an instant impact in his senior debut -- assisting on a pair of goals against Aruba on June 5. However, the Gold Cup will be his first tournament action for Canada.
Tyler Pasher's scoring streak with the Houston Dynamo has been rewarded with a call-up to Canada’s Gold Cup team. The forward, who dropped three goals and three assists in eight MLS appearances this season, will be looking for his long-awaited first senior cap for Canada. Pasher's been called into national team camps and rosters before -- even making the bench for a 2015 friendly against Puerto Rico. At 27, Pasher isn’t a novice on the field, but a savvy player who fought his way through lower leagues to make a name for himself. He has overcome some bad luck with injuries and rose from the third-tier of Finnish soccer with PS Kemi to his current role with Houston.
With 10 caps and even a goal to his credit for Canada, defender Richie Laryea will be looking to cement a more consistent spot in coach John Herdman’s lineup. Laryea, 26, is a fullback with midfield skills. He can add to the attack with effective passes and a willingness to strike at goal. He’s proved himself a valuable and versatile asset to his club team, Toronto FC, and can do the same for Canada in the Gold Cup.
Laryea’s club teammate, Ayo Akinola, is now his national teammate as well. The speedy and dynamic forward, only 21, switched his international allegiance to Canada from the United States in late June. He will be eager to show how well his talents integrate with and contribute to the squad.
Like Akinola and Pasher, Harry Paton has yet to be capped for Canada on the senior level. Paton's pedigree is a bit different though. He plays abroad in Scotland, for Ross County -- where he's made 54 Scottish Premiership appearances. The midfielder, 23, last played internationally for Canada at the U-17 level.
This is a group that will be looking to make a similar impression to Davies' in this year's edition of the Gold Cup.
