Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.Through the United States’ group stage thrill ride at this World Cup, several Americans have elevated their stock on the back of the team’s thundering start in the first two games and Thursday’s late defeat to Turkey with a rotated squad.A handful, however, have separated themselves from the rest with sparkling performances on the biggest stage of all. Heading into Wednesday’s clash with Bosnia & Herzegovina in the round of 32 — and hopefully beyond — Mauricio Pochettino now has a very clear idea of who he can rely on.Here are some of the key figures to have stood out, as well as a small group of players that things haven’t really worked out for.The success storyFolarin Balogun has been the biggest attacking star. After scoring twice against Paraguay and forcing Australia’s own goal with another intelligent run, Balogun has looked every bit the complete No. 9 the U.S. has been seeking for so long.His movement has been exceptional, stretching defenses vertically while creating space for teammates underneath. More importantly, there’s now a clear understanding between Balogun and the players around him. They recognize his runs earlier, and he’s rewarding them with clinical finishing. With Monaco expected to begin a new era following a coaching change, this World Cup could be the perfect platform for Balogun to earn a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs.Was there a reason behind Poch’s defensive press conference?Tom BogertThe breakout battlerAlex Freeman has arguably been the breakout player of the whole tournament. Whether deployed as a right back or the right-sided center back in a back three, he’s looked remarkably composed for someone still so early in his international career. His willingness to dribble through pressure has consistently broken opposing lines, forcing defenses out of shape before the U.S. can attack the space behind them.What has impressed me most isn’t simply his athleticism, it’s his decision-making. He knows when to step, when to cover for Chris Richards, Tim Ream or Sergiño Dest, and he’s playing with the maturity of a veteran. Villarreal may have found themselves a special player.Alex Freeman (left) and Folarin Balogun were both outstanding during the group stage. (Shaun Clark / ISI Photos / Getty Images)The midfield mastersTyler Adams continues to prove why he’s the heartbeat of this team. His defensive awareness, leadership and relentless ability to extinguish danger before it develops have kept the U.S. organized throughout the tournament. He has set the tone for the team’s pressing structure and rarely wastes a movement. With Andoni Iraola departing Bournemouth and Europe’s biggest clubs once again monitoring Adams, another step up wouldn’t surprise me. Chelsea pursued him before he joined Bournemouth, Liverpool admired him then as well, and performances like these only reinforce why.Elsewhere, Malik Tillman has fully embraced this tournament. His work rate without the ball has matched the elegance we’ve come to expect when he’s in possession. Over the last two seasons in Europe, we’ve watched him develop into a player capable of unlocking defenses with one pass, beating defenders in tight spaces and striking from distance with venom and precision. He’s combined that quality with an edge defensively, winning tackles and immediately turning defense into attack.