Any time a U.S. youth national team takes the field, scouts are watching.

While our country doesn't churn out world class talent on a consistent basis, every age group is being scouted. The microscrope is even closer when it comes time for official competitions, and the same can be said about the U.S. U17 MNT as World Cup qualifying begins in Panama this weekend.

There's an obvious caveat when looking at the roster John Hackworth named this week: most of the kids are already signed to a pro deal, or under the umbrella of a team already. However, seven of the 20 aren't, meaning the stakes this week are higher than usual. Whatever the target, either professional or collegiate, scouts will be watching.

These four players have a big opportunity ahead of them as the U.S. starts its qualifying journey.