WASHINGTON, D.C.—Jozy Altidore scored the two goals and Brad Guzan made the big saves, but the United States' 2-1 victory over Peru Friday night belonged to Gyasi Zardes.

The 24-year-old Hawthorne, Calif., native has made 14 international appearances this year, a team-leading statisitc he shares with captain Michael Bradley and fellow winger DeAndre Yedlin. Normally a forward, Zardes has shifted out wide this year for Jurgen Klinsmann and while there have been some growing pains along the way, he looked great at RFK Stadium. 

"We all know that Gyasi can also play up front and it is something maybe that he likes a little bit more," Klinsmann said after the game. "But he serves that role and he says, 'Wherever you put me, I am going to give it everything I have.'"

In the first half Zardes made multiple bursts down the left side, creating dangerous chances and giving the U.S. attack a shot of adrenaline at a time when Peru was dominating. His best moment, however, came in the second half when his hard, driving cross bounced off and defender and found Altidore for the tap-in.

"I felt very confident playing out wide—not only that but just receiving the ball at a wider position and just having players overlap me," Zardes said. "During training this week Jurgen really touched on wingers getting the ball and creating opportunities and crossing the ball in. I felt that those training drills really benefited myself during this game."

"As time has gone by I am starting to get more comfortable," he added. "I am still learning. I am constantly talking to Tim Ream throughout the whole game defensively on my positioning. Attacking-wise, you're like a striker and I love playing that position as well."

Five U.S. midfielders saw the lion's share of minutes at the 2014 World Cup: Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Graham Zusi, Kyle Beckerman, and Alejandro Bedoya. Though all accomplished in their own ways, none managed to exploit open space with speed the way Zardes can do when he is playing well. 

For Klinsmann, the win over Peru showed the upside of an in-form Zardes and highlighted his reasoning for investing so much time in the player. 

"He gives us a new element that we didn't have at the World Cup last year," Klinsmann said. "With that speed and with that flank play and also his tremendous work load in going back, defending, and helping out—we suddenly have another kind of option there that we can play out.

"It was something we missed at the World Cup—speed. On one flank we have him and on the other flank we have DeAndre. It makes it not that easy for opponents."

Asked after the game if he would be comfortable with the Los Angeles Galaxy attacker playing a role against Mexico in the team's most important game since the World Cup, Klinsmann didn't hesitate: "Absolutely."

Klinsmann was quick credit former U.S. national team coach Bruce Arena for much of Zardes' improvement. 

"I think Gyasi's game has become a lot more consistent," Klinsmann said. "Obviously Bruce Arena has done a fantastic job with him. He really grew him. He sometimes brought him out and gave him different variations to his game. Sometimes he is up top with Robbie Keane and sometimes he is on the flank. His game itself, he gave him different parts—which helps us as well.

"He's growing at such a fast speed and he's a highly intelligent kid. You know he will give you everything he has. I always tell him, 'Don't worry about mistakes.'"

Altidore acknowledges that benefitted from the United States' strong wing play against Peru.

“We weren't particularly sharp today but with him and DeAndre getting down the flanks with speed, it creates havoc,” Altidore said. “It opens things up.”

Altidore also believes the best is yet to come for Zardes. Like Klinsmann, the 25-year-old attacker understands that the extremely fast-paced integration of Zardes into the team could pay enormous dividends in the months and years ahead. 

“I think Gyasi has been one of the best players for the national team since he's come here,” Altidore said. “I mean, he's been terrific. His effort is fantastic. He's always dangerous. Whenever he gets the ball he always has his defender on his back foot.

"He's always improving."

Next up for Zardes will be Tuesday's friendly against a world-class Brazil team—quite a milestone for a player who earned his first cap on January 28. Klinsmann noted after Friday's win that Zardes covered a lot of ground against Peru and that he hoped he'd be ready for Tuesday. 

If history is any indication, Zardes will be ready. He is tremendously fit—a high priority for the German coach—he's smart, and he improves every time out.

Having a great attitude doesn't hurt either. 

"As a striker and as a winger I am starting to see the game differently," Zardes said. "They gave me space and I tried to utilize it with my speed. I really want to keep progressing going forward."

Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.