Thursday was nearly four months in the making. Since the U.S. U20 Men’s National Team wrapped a successful qualifying campaign in January, eligible players have waited in anticipation for the final 21-man World Cup roster. On Thursday, that day arrived.

Here’s a look at everything you need to know from coach Tab Ramos’ announcement day. The U.S. kicks off the World Cup May 30 against Myanmar in New Zealand.

The 21st spot

The discerning mind would’ve noticed one thing about this roster relatively quickly: there’s no 21st player. Ramos accessed executive privilege by leaving that spot open for now with a couple names in mind. On Thursday, he revealed why. He wants prized Arsenal youth player Gedion Zelalem, but he won’t know if he’s YNT eligible until May 15.

That should make the next week a spicy one. Zelalem’s occupied a frenzied place in U.S. Soccer lore over the past year, as the federation’s grappled to bring him into the fold amidst formidable interest from Germany. More to the point, this U20 team can probably use him. There’s no obvious third midfielder in Ramos’ 4-3-3, and Zelalem’s ability to pick defensive locks - even if he’s not a true No. 10 - would be a prized addition next to Emerson Hyndman.

If it doesn’t happen, though, Ramos has other options. Striker Andrija Novakovich was reportedly held back by club side Reading, but if he’s somehow released this side could use him. There isn’t another hold-up striker option on this roster without him, and the front line won’t be particularly formidable aerially if a bigger option isn’t called up.

Tactically anyway, this roster could probably do more with a center forward than Zelalem. But either would be a boon to a team most expect to at least be in the running to win its group.

Notable omissions abound

Maybe the most surprising decision was Ramos’ choice to exclude longtime U20 stalwart Junior Flores. The BVB attacking midfielder played a huge part in this cycle from its beginning, but he won’t be going to New Zealand. That means this team won’t have a true No. 10 in the XI, which means the midfield of the likely 4-3-3 will be a bit more pragmatic. Which, on its face, isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Flores had gradually fallen out of favor with the U20s as his form plummeted. Whether that was because his progression at BVB stagnated or was simply due a patch of rough weather, Ramos clearly took notice. That should dull the surprise somewhat.

The omission of Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan was less surprising but no less notable. Roldan’s two call-ups in the last 15 months made him an outsider in this cycle, and Ramos was always unlikely to bring along a player who’d had just 80 minutes of work with this group this calendar year. That said, Roldan’s talent and sizzling professional form made him a serious candidate for this roster, and his versatility could’ve been important as a like-for-like switch either as an Emerson Hyndman backup, as a holding midfielder or out wide. The Sounders won’t complain, but this roster could’ve used Roldan.

Up top, Novakovich was left off, reportedly because Reading didn’t want to grant him a release. Whether or not that’s the case, in all likelihood this team will go to New Zealand without a target striker.

While Novakovich and Roldan were left off because of extenuating circumstances and Flores for a dip in form, it’s harder to find the reason for Romain Gall’s exclusion. The Columbus Crew wide man hasn’t gotten consistent club minutes, but that certainly hasn’t hurt Shaq Moore, who will almost assuredly start at right back in New Zealand. And keep in mind Gall was the team’s leading scorer in qualifying off the left flank, where he was relatively successful in finding space.

It’s true that Gall struggled at times during moments of interchange, but it’s hard to argue his productivity. Plus, his level of comfort on a left flank that lacks depth anyway was always a boon for this side. Ramos must have seen him as redundant with both Jamieson and Rubin capable of playing in that spot.

A tactical mish-mash

It’s no secret Ramos is wedded to his 4-3-3 formation, but maybe not as deeply as some think. When the U20s encountered turbulence in CONCACAF qualifying - a poor field, troublesome match-ups, injuries - Ramos reverted to a 4-4-2 for the stretch run. While it didn’t produce much in the way of coherent attacking soccer, it did lock up the back and allow the U.S. to skate through the do-or-die playoff. Expect the 4-3-3 to make its return, but the option to pull the release valve in times of trouble is always there.

Even in the 4-3-3, the lack of center forwards on this roster (incomplete as it is) is notable. Romain Gall’s exclusion weakened the depth on the left flank, which makes it even more likely Rubio Rubin starts there. And Ramos would be foolish to tinker with Tommy Thompson’s place on the right wing, where he starred in qualifying. Which leaves the middle. And a grand question.

The options: Bradford Jamieson and Maki Tall. The power of deduction should (operative word being should) eliminate Jamieson. He was tried at center forward in qualifying, and the experiment didn’t go particularly well. Plus, his time with the LA Galaxy should further prove he’s best wide and with some space to run at defenders. He wouldn’t have that up top. In fact, he’d more than likely collapse the attack by dropping back for service, since there isn’t a No. 10 here. Which should leave Tall as the choice, providing he’s in decent enough form.

The other option is starting Rubin up top and moving Jamieson to the left, which would leave Tall as a late choice as a sub. The only issue there is that like Jamieson, Rubin can play striker but isn’t most comfortable there. Bringing Jamieson off the bench late is a better idea than bringing on Tall.

The midfield is probably the bigger question mark.  

Two of the three cogs are more or less set. Kellyn Acosta captained the U20s through qualifying, and it seems likely the 2013 U20 World Cup holdover will carry the armband again in New Zealand. And box-to-box midfielder Emerson Hyndman is probably the most complete player on the team. But what about the third midfielder? Paul Arriola is more of an attacking wide player (if he isn’t at striker), while Russell Canouse and Marco Delgado are holding midfielders. Which leaves Joel Sonora.

Or a third option. Zelalem.

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