by Stephen Barston
On Monday, March 24th, Stars and Stripes manager Jurgen
Klinsmann learned some fantastic news that instantly made the American soccer
future that much brighter: FIFA approved the nationality change for Bayern
Munich youngster Julian Green.
Green, who played previously for the United States at the
U18 level in a friendly versus the Netherlands, has represented Germany at all
other youth levels. He has even gotten limited time with the Bayern first team,
entering a UEFA Champions League game against CSKA Moscow a substitute for
fellow wunderkind Mario Götze and scoring goals in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Klinsmann and his assistants have poached players before,
convincing Aron Johansson to switch to the USMNT from Iceland in the summer of 2013;
however, Green’s decision is easily the most noteworthy development for
Klinsmann in his tenure as manager so far. Green is an attacking midfielder/forward
known for his technical ability and his composure around the net, and his
commitment to the United States quells some fears that aging superstars Landon
Donovan and Clint Dempsey would have no viable replacements.
Green’s first call-up to the senior international team
occurred this week as well, and he is available to play in the April 2nd
friendly against Mexico in Phoenix. If he does appear, it will be interesting
to see if he can truly compete consistently against tough competition. Be sure
to tune in next Wednesday at 11pm to catch a glimpse of the American soccer
future in action.
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| Klinsmann (left) and Green (right) chat it up during a recent USNMT training session. |
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