State of the pool

Four years ago, when Bruce Arena assembled his squad for the first World Cup qualifier against Guatemala, the roster included Chad Deering, Robin Fraser, Jason Kreis, Ben Olsen, Tab Ramos and Ante Razov.

Of course, none of those players were on the side that ultimately went to the World Cup two years later.

On the other side of it, one can look at DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, Pablo Mastroeni and Josh Wolff as players who not only made the World Cup roster in 2002, but played a big role for the squad after not being in the mix at the start of qualifying in July of 2000.

That's why it's useless to read too much into the 22-man roster Arena named for the upcoming home-and-home series with Grenada to kick off its World Cup qualifying efforts that starts on June 13 in Columbus.

Should the U.S. advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany, there will surely be players from this roster who will not be on the team (Earnie Stewart?), just as there will be players who aren't even in the picture right now on the squad (Eddie Gaven?).

Over the next year-and-a-half of qualifying, Arena will have his work cut out for him each and every match, as the pool is deeper and more competitive than ever before.

Here's a look at how it stands going into next Sunday's first qualifier against Grenada:

Secure

Chris Armas -- One of the team leaders and most reliable players.

DaMarcus Beasley -- Will be a handful for CONCACAF opponents.

Carlos Bocanegra -- Looking like a starter in the back.

Bobby Convey -- No one has played more over the last two years.

Landon Donovan -- A player to build around.

Brad Friedel -- Remains one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Kasey Keller -- Ditto.

Brian McBride -- When healthy, he has to be on the field. Period.

Eddie Pope -- The best defender in the U.S.

Claudio Reyna -- The most composed and experienced player in the region.

Fairly safe

Gregg Berhalter -- A step above many of the MLS-based centerbacks.

Steve Cherundolo -- Remaining in the Bundesliga will help his chances.

Cory Gibbs -- Development with the Dallas Burn will be watched closely.

Frankie Hejduk -- A favorite of the staff for his endless engine and versatility.

Tim Howard -- Could emerge as the starter by 2006.

Eddie Lewis -- A move back to MLS over the next two years might be best.

Pablo Mastroeni -- Will play a key role during qualifying in two positions.

Clint Mathis -- Needs to be consistent for both club and country.

John O'Brien -- A definite starter when healthy, but those times are rare.

Tony Sanneh -- Just turned 33. His next move will be critical. (MLS?)

Greg Vanney -- Left back who looks better every time he dons a U.S. jersey.

Josh Wolff -- Needs to stay healthy.

In the mix

Chris Albright -- Is probably third on the depth chart at right back.

Dan Califf -- Will get his chance once he's healthy again.

Conor Casey -- Looks like a budding star.

Jovan Kirovski -- Needs to string two good games together in a row for U.S.

Chris Klein -- Plays a position (right midfielder) where the U.S. is thin.

Tony Meola -- Is deserving of his call-up for Grenada series.

Richard Mulrooney -- Is too good not to push for a spot.

Pat Noonan -- Depends on where Steve Nicol plays him with the Revs.

Ante Razov -- Has to earn another call-up.

Earnie Stewart -- Still as fit as ever, and one of the side's true leaders.

Taylor Twellman -- Was impressive in the 1-0 victory over Mexico.

Jonny Walker -- Probably fourth on the goalkeeper depth chart right now.

Kerry Zavagnin -- Is getting his chance.

Something to prove

Wade Barrett -- Come home, Wade.

Adin Brown -- Probably needs to go to England.

Edson Buddle -- Must score goals in Columbus and stay fit.

Jim Curtin -- Deserves a look.

Kevin Hartman -- Has quite a challenge ahead of him.

Ritchie Kotschau -- Is helped by the lack of depth at left back.

Kyle Martino -- Might be ready by 2006.

Brian Mullan -- Play for San Jose is key.

Ben Olsen -- Is never a bad option when ankle is healthy.

Steve Ralston -- Isn't helped by the team's box midfield system.

John Wolyniec -- Could be the ultimate off-the-bench striker in a qualifier.

Young guns to watch

Freddy Adu -- Even at 15, his speed and explosiveness could be a factor off the bench.

Ricardo Clark -- An option as a right back?

Kenny Cooper -- McBride's heir apparent was Man. U's reserve player of the year.

Eddie Gaven -- Would fit into Arena's system perfectly as a midfielder.

Justin Mapp -- The 19-year-old is one of the best young midfielders in MLS.

Chad Marshall -- Could leapfrog defenders like Garcia and Califf.

Frank Simek -- The 19-year-old defender was a regular for Arsenal's reserve team, and appeared for the full side once in Carling Cup play.

Jonathan Spector -- Will have a long career with the National Team. The question is when does it start.

Danny Szetela -- Turns 17 in two weeks. Might be ready for an opportunity at 18.

Zak Whitbread -- The 20-year-old Liverpool defender is the team's left back of the future.

Marc Connolly covers American soccer for ESPN Soccernet.com. He can be reached at: shaketiller10@yahoo.com.