ASK ANY PLAYER on Jurgen’s Klinsmann’s 2015 Gold Cup squad and they will tell you that they are squarely focused on their play in tournament, winning the trophy, and helping the U.S. men’s national team secure passage to the 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia.

But it’s not as simple as that.

Three players on the U.S. squad—DeAndre Yedlin, Brad Guzan, and Mix Diskerud—face uncertain situations with their club teams, and you better believe that their managers will be monitoring their performances as the Gold Cup enters its knockout phase. Here’s a look at

Deandre Yedlin 

Yedlin’s inclusion on the Gold Cup roster was a no-brainer as the speedy fullback/winger has established himself as a vital national team contributor.

But playing in the Gold Cup also means that the 22-year-old Seattle native will miss a big chunk of preseason training with Spurs—a crucial time for youngsters to develop chemistry and impress their managers. For a young player hoping to establish himself on a talent-rich team, this is not an ideal scenario.

Yedlin has only been in London for six months and, assuming the Yanks make it all the way to the Gold Cup final on July 26, he will get just a week or two of preseason training before Spurs begin play on August 8.

So the U.S. games are the sole platform Yedlin has right now to impress his organization. He is featuring in a wide midfield role right now for the Yanks, while Tottenham presently seems to be developing him for a right back slot. It’s important during these international games that Yedlin shows an ability to track back defensively in addition to an improved awareness on the field. His physical ability has never been in doubt, but he is still a very raw talent.

With Tottenham’s recent acquisition of Burnley star Kieran Trippier, Yedlin isn’t only trying to impress his mother organization—he is auditioning for other clubs as well. A loan is looking more and more likely for Yedlin as he yearns for first-team minutes. Loan suitors like recently promoted Norwich City, which is reportedly interested, are surely observing him.

If Yedlin displays improved defensive awareness while also showcasing attacking skills in a winger role, it could go a long way toward furthering his current premier league position.

Brad Guzan

Brad Guzan has been a mainstay in Aston Villa’s lineup since the 2012 but the 30-year-old goalkeeper didn’t have a great 2014-15 campaign. And on April 25^th this happened against Manchester City

Guzan did not feature in another league match for Aston Villa, with manager Tim Sherwood opting for veteran Shay Given the rest of the way.

Hey—mistakes happen. And Guzan has shined for the U.S. during the Gold Cup, making key spots and covering for a backline that has looked shaky at best. He needs to keep doing so if he intends to reclaim the first-team role with Villa.

Mix Diskerud

When Mix Diskerud left the Norwegian side Rosenborg to join New York City FC in the Bronx, it seemed likely that he would have a tight grip on a starting role in the midfield, serving passes to David Villa and soaking up plenty of glory. And he has done a creditable job, playing in 14 of the expansion team’s fixtures and starting all but one of these contests.

By the time Diskerud returns to MLS, however, he will be suiting up alongside two of the best midfielders of all time—the recently activated Frank Lampard and the recently acquired Andrea Pirlo.

NYCFC coach Jason Kreis will now pencil those two names into his Starting XI first—and then look around to see who plays alongside these soccer icons.

Will Diskerud get the call? It’s not a certainty.

The 24-year-old Oslo native may get pushed back to the No. 6 spot for NYCFC—a more defensive assignment that he has performed with the U.S. national team from time to time.

Diskerud would do well to showcase his enthusiasm and aptitude in this role during the knockout phase of the Gold Cup. And if he gets a few minutes out on the wing, he needs to demonstrate his abilities there as well.

However it shakes out, it’s safe to say that Diskerud is now the third-best attacking midfielder for his club. 

William Travis is a freelance soccer writer. You can follow him on Twitter.