One of the world’s brightest teenage talents is set to pledge his future to U.S. Soccer.
According to a report in the Washington Post, budding Arsenal midfielder Gedion Zelalem has become a U.S. citizen, enabling him to play for the U.S. Men’s National Team and the U.S. Soccer youth teams in the future. The 17-year-old is currently eligible to play for Germany and Ethiopia, and has even played for Germany’s youth teams in the past, but the report states that Zelalem has told friends and “American officials” that he wants to play for the USA.
Zelalem would have to file a one-time international switch with FIFA and have that approved for him to officially be eligible for the USMNT.
U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati took to Twitter Tuesday to confirm that Zelalem is in the process of becoming eligible to represent the U.S. on the international stage.
Gedion Zelalem is now a U.S. citizen. At his request we have started the FIFA process which would allow him to be eligible for the #USMNT.
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) December 30, 2014
Zelalem was able to receive his U.S. passport through the Child Citizen Act, which allows the children under 18 of naturalized citizens to become naturalized themselves. Zelalem had until Jan. 26 to complete his citizenship, otherwise his path to U.S. citizenship would have become much more difficult.
Zelalem, the son of Ethiopian parents, moved from Germany to the USA at the age of nine and lived in the Washington D.C. suburbs. He was discovered by Arsenal scout Danny Karbassiyoon in 2011 through a connection with the club team Olney Rangers coach Matt Pilkington and Karbassiyoon had a first-hand look at Zelalem as a youngster at that year’s Dallas Cup.
Zelalem trained on and off with Arsenal from 2011-2012 until making the move permanent in Jan. 2013, joining the English Premier League club’s youth academy. After playing in a number of preseason friendlies, Zelalem made his full debut for the club on Jan. 24, 2014 as a second half substitute in the FA Cup, and he played 45 minutes off the bench in Arsenal’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League victory at Galatasaray.
If Zelalem does become eligible to play for the USMNT, he becomes the latest German national to pledge their future to the U.S., following the footsteps of Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson, Timmy Chandler, John Brooks, and Julian Green.
Zelalem is currently eligible to feature for the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team, and will likely be considered for a roster spot on the U.S. Under-23 squad if the USA qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
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What do you think of this news? Excited for the future of U.S. Soccer?
Share your thoughts below.
GW-it is Ms. Nickilson. But no worries. I believe I clearly defined “true blue.” Born, raised, played and continues to play here. Is that player somewhere in this country? absolutely! Are they connected-NO! Yes I am inferring that his father is connected somewhere someway or has very big pockets! Also, don’t forget about the agent! I hope he turns out to be all everyone is thinking he will be…it just remains to be seen.
Ms. Nickilson,
That is the problem with the size and the variety of athletic choices in this country.
In a small country like Holland you have, what, speed skating, cycling, Formula One, field hockey and soccer. So I have to feel as if the sporting development people and structure focuses mostly on soccer. And given their size the player pool can be more readily monitored.
Clearly that is not the case in the good old US of A and I’m sure many kids are slipping through the cracks. Unless they have a support structure like GZ apparently had.
He was fortunate enough to get noticed by Danny Karbassyoon (sp?) an American scout who was formerly a player in the Arsenal system. His career was derailed by injury. Then again, maybe GZ might have been picked up on by DC United, gotten into their academy and wound up being just as good a prospect.
But what if the Zelalems had moved to Butte City, Idaho instead of the DC area? Maybe GZ finds no local soccer connections and instead becomes a downhill skier and aims for the Olympics or a wide receiver and hopes to play for Boise State,
We will never know.
You will start to see more of your true blues ( doesn’t Deandre Yedlin qualify as a true blue?) when MLS gets to the level that you see with, for example, the NFL where their player development network extends down to high schools and maybe below and no kid is safe from them.
Can we get hyped about real true blue Americans? I’m the least patriotic person but I do believe we need to get just as hyped about players BORN here, RAISED here and playing here now! Obviously, GZ has a wealthy parent (go ahead and refute it), is talented for. 17 year old, played/lived/etc in Germany ( we know JK loves that), has ties to a third world country, an incredible agent and someone who has an in with US soccer. Sorry but being involved in youth soccer for years now…it is all political BS! So disconcerting, but true nonetheless…lets look at the boys here! As a side note…US soccer really depends on who you know or what your father did. Diego Fagundez was even called into US youth camps (look it up -not even a citizen!!!) lots of things that have happened because of who people know. Such is life! Happy 2015….
Mr.nickilson
“Can we get hyped about real true blue Americans?”
Define “real true blue”. I am interested in the best soccer player or prospective soccer player for the USMNT not whether that player fits your stereotypes.
Are you saying GZ’s family is “connected” and that is the reason for his looming success?
And are also saying that GZ is not a “real true blue American” and if so what is wrong with that?
Do you know of a prospect of similar age who fits your definition of “real true blue” and who is as promising as GZ? Because if you do I’m sure everyone would be interested to know about it and would want to hype it.
Excellent, and here’s why. Just like we sorely needed a guy with Jermaine Jones’ attitude to put some “oomph” into US soccer, we need guys with awesome names to make us more credible in the eyes of the international community. We cannot expect to strike fear into the hearts of Cuba, Haiti, etc. trotting out names like Graham Zusi, Brek Shea, and DeAndre Yedlin. Even Canad has great names like Sandro Grande. Gideon Zelalem gives us instant legitimacy simply by giving a hugely better ring to the roster when spoken aloud. Unlike Rubio Rubin. Great deal here..
the mysteries of the INS bureaucracy… I knew of a french dude who married an American woman, got his green card in 9-10 months… after that got his US citizenship in 1.5 years.
There must be some State secret deal between the US and the Frenchies.
You are thinking of David Regis
There were exceptions made for Americans working abroad, usually military personnel, for the government or government related agencies. Regis’ wife fit the category and that is how Regis’ naturalization was expedited. It was a rarely used, little known loophole but completely legitimate.
Nothing secret about it.
tell em, bruh
I should’ve explained it better…. :)) the frenchman I’m talking about was a white dude, acquaintance of mine in Florida.
I don’t know what the wife did, but he worked as a low level manager at a bank, nothing especial.
Getting a Green Card after marriage shouldn’t even take 9 months.
Mr Sox,
You are right but having a green card alone does not allow you to play for the USMNT. You still need to get that US passport.
Not sure who “Mr. Sox” is (the nickname is about hair color).
And I certainly know that a Green Card isn’t enough… see comments above.
Mr. Red,
Sorry. I missed your “above” comments when replying.
For some reason, this one doesn’t bother me as much as others do. I think it’s because he actually became a citizen before ever playing for the USA. I think that makes it sit better for me. At least he has a tie to this country other than playing soccer.
So what do we do with him? He’s very young but playing for a big time team. I think at his age, let Tab have him for a while and see what happens. If he can dominate at that level then move him up.
There is no need to fast track him like JK did for Green. BTW – I consider Green a bust so far. He has not looked good for us since his one moment of glory at the WC.
Not sure I follow. Everyone “becomes a citizen” before playing for the US.
haha right?
If something is disturbing or uncomfortable….. I’d suggest it’s useful to consider the possibility that what needs changing may lie within you.
6 more years and the U.S wont have any more U.S born players.
chivalife,
Big deal.
At the 2014 World Cup, on the 23 man squads, there were 16 French-born players representing Algeria but only 11 French born players representing France.
GW, you don’t let facts get in the way right of forming an opinion, right?
– ONLY 2 members of the 2014 French squad were not born in France (Rio Mavuba & Patrice Evra). 21 of 23 were born and raised in France.
Why won’t people spend 10 minutes to research something before posting on the web?
Paul,
Such righteous indignation. One would have thought I had done something sacrilegious such as leaving Landon off the World Cup team or massacring a bunch of puppies.
What I did do was misinterpret this paragraph:
“At the 2014 World Cup, there were 25 French-born players representing other countries — 16 alone for Algeria. That’s not only enough to field another full team for France, but also five more players than are actually on the French team, Les Bleus, in Brazil.”
Which came from this article:
http://www.pri.org/stories/2014-06-30/frances-cosmopolitan-society-shines-world-cup-other-countries-too
You should read it , it’s quite interesting.
Did I look up France’s 2014 World Cup 23 and research their birth places?
No I did not and for that I shall most likely burn in hell until it freezes over or until JK caps Lichaj again.
GW, why are you getting upset when someone corrects you? I assume that you are an adult, so you are responsible for your actions. When you post something in public, you should make sure it’s right or own up when corrected. I accept it when I get corrected.
As for the article, it’s a good read. The bigger, more successful programs in multinational societies often have the problem of split nationalities. However, this article also speaks to a problem I saw when I lived in France. France used to be a lot more open and England used to be a lot more closed in the 70’s and 80’s. The English had neo-nazis, the BNP and Enoch Powell. Now it’s the reverse.
Full disclosure, I have dual citizenship with ties to France, so I take anything statements about France more seriously. If you had mentioned something about Italy, I would not have bothered.
Paul,
As I said such earnest righteous indignation should be noted.
I’m curious as to how would you have interpreted the paragraph I got wrong?
Also, how do you think this move to diversity is affecting the popularity of the game in France?
It seems to me MLS and the national team have long had a high level of diversity and certainly are not going back from that any time soon.
Sorry, my bad! I suppose I interpreted your paragraph as”hey look, we are not as bad as the French who field of mostly foreigners” when their team is basically entirely French. I have read comments on boards where people say things that the FFF only got good when they accepted a bunch of African immigrants…which is just plain ignorant. The FFF has always had a lot of immigrants because it is usually made up of guys from humble backgrounds. All the great teams (50’s, 80′, late 90’s/early 00’s) had a lot immigrants (50’s-Eastern European, 80’s-mainly Southern Europe and Africa, 90’s-North Africa and Sub Saharan Africa). The first Black player (Raoul Digne played in the 90’s).
Only the ’06 had a majority black starting line up. The other teams only had 2 or 3, then a few Arab in, then a few southern/eastern European. Even if the FFF did have a lot, who cares…they are ALL French. I also see statements decrying the composition tinged with a little bigotry (NOT YOU). Because no one was saying that when FFF had Eastern or Southern European immigrants.
In terms of it interpreting how diversity is affecting France…that is a very complex question. Honestly, the French have a lot of ambivalence about the FFF except when they are doing well etc (there is a lot of expectation for 2016). That is just French — not caring about something becuase it takes too much effort :). There are more Asians in UK than France, but the first Indian played for France in a World Cup. Football/soccer is still very popular in France. Sports in France is all about football and Rugby. The funny thing is Ligue 1 is very diverse, ethnically and racially.
France has always been a diverse society (ethnically) and class-ist society, but the true bigots come out when you have a lot of Arabs and Africans on the team and say it not France. A French pundit called the ’06 team black, black, black. It’s scary what has been happening to once open France. Part of the reason has been France has not been doing well economically over the past 20 years and people are looking for scapegoats. I have friends in France who are Arab, Black and Asian who feel that they are made to feel not French. That is why you have guys opt to play for other teams (Algeria, Cameron etc.). However, as sad as it is, it was worse in England in the 80’s.
Paul,
The USMNT has always been fairly diverse since the early days.
I first noticed that when I saw our 94 squad and compared them to Brazil’s 1970 WC winners in that regard.
I have spent some time in England mostly London and it is a mystery to me why there have not been more players of Asian, i.e Pakistani, Indian,etc. extraction emerging for their upper tier teams or even the national team.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1371544/Why-British-Asians-playing-professional-football-Sportsmail-investigates-.html
This is something that struck me even before I saw Bend it Like Beckham.
As for France, I remember the 98 WC winners causing a stir with the French right wing due to their diverse composition. I doubt many Americans remember the somewhat turbulent relationship France has had with Algeria.
At any rate, winning the World Cup and the subsequent European Championship was a good thing for that team to do. Everyone loves a winner.
What is “American” is all relative, a matter of perspective. If you grew up in a place that populated early in the last century, I suppose this may be alarming, but to many, especially in coastal metro areas…. feels pretty status quo. A high rate of immigration, a population with multicultural ties- these are consistent and reflective of the USAs make up traditionally anyhow. It’s come in waves where large pockets of many cities- you’d grow up with the vast majority of people in the neighborhood being immigrants and children of immigrants. That’s the America I know, am from.
Well, last 20 and especially 10 years, this is now a very common phenomenon worldwide and tending upward…. not just in soccer, in general. Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Holland are now dealing with it- benefiting from the riches inherent to multi-cultures as well as with the tensions and problems.
Welcome to the new world son.
Its difficult, but a good thing- best way to deal with differences is to be faced with them daily, become accustomed to them- each other.
as long as MLS doesn’t offer him 15 mill to play in San Jose and people keep their panties on for the next 6 years then I think this is good.
It’s all about putting more quality in the pipeline, by hook or by crook.
What is different about this situation and the Diego Fagundez situation? How is this kid getting fast tracked to US Citizenship when he has two other nationalities he could pledge to and doesn’t even live in this country, while Fagundez lives here, grew up here, went to school here, works here?
This is nuts.
I cant answer your question about Fagundez. But it doesn’t sound like Zelalem was “fast tracked” in any way other than anyone else eligible under the law cited in the articles. He was spotted going to the immigration office in this holiday week. How is that a fast track, as I’m sure most of his peers are enjoying the holidays or training with their team. It appears that they went by the book, checked the boxes, paid the fees, got interviewed, etc just like all naturalized citizens.
Seems that Fagundez’s situation is the more typical one but that GZ was eligible under a program for children of refugees or something. I don’t think Fagundez can become a citizen for a few more years from what I’ve heard.
GZ’s situation is not really a special case. His father recently became a citizen and was a Permanent Resident before that time. If either one of your parents is a US citizen or Permanent Resident, you can become a US citizen or Permanent Resident, respectively, as long as you are still a minor. GZ is still a minor (17).
Diego’s parents became Permanent Residents while he was still a minor so he became a Permanent Resident as well. However he is no longer minor (19), so he has to apply for citizenship on his own, which takes about a year after you become eligible (about 5 years after becoming a Permanent Resident).
GZ and Diego’s surviving parent and parents came to the US in 2006 and 2000, respectively. Unless there were restrictions on the Visas that they used to enter the country, they could have applied for residency after a few years which usually takes 1-2 years. That sounds like that is what GZ’s dad did. I have no idea what precluded Diego’s parents. Keep in mind, his father is a former professional player, so maybe he saw this as a temporary thing.
Getting a Green Card in 1 to 2 years isn’t common (though it can be for refugees). Other categories of immigrants can wait many years to qualify for a GC.
Sorry I meant if they came here as refugees as well. The application process can take about 2 years. Refugees/Asylees are required to apply for permanent residence (a green card) 1 year after entry into the United States in this status. If you are sponsored by an employer, it can take 5/6 years depending on different actors (usually). Family-based timeline is not as long as Employment based either.
Apples and oranges.
Zelalem is getting the citizenship because his dad had the option and according to the law can transmit it to his son.
Fagundez, like Najar and Movsisyan are “dreamers”.. A way more complicated process.
“Dreamers” are immigrants without lawful status who have had their prosecution and removal deferred by executive action. All Dreamers have the following traits:
beneficiaries must:
Not have entered the United States on a non-immigrant Visa.
Have proof of having arrived in the United States before age 16.
Have proof of residence in the United States for at least five consecutive years since their date of arrival.
If male, have registered with the Selective Service.
Be between the ages of 12 and 35 at the time of bill enactment.
Have graduated from an American high school, obtained a GED, or been admitted to an institution of higher education.
Be of good moral character.
Fagundez, Najar, and Movsisyan are not dreamers. You may want to hold off that immigration lawyer startup a little bit.
Happy that Zelalem can play for the US but I agree it is a little frustrating that guys like Fagundez and Nagbe aren’t citizens yet but Zelalem is. It would be one thing if they stayed here but I believe even Zelalelms parents moved with him to England and they are getting this citizenship by just maintaining a residence in the US. Nagbe’s been in the country for years, has an American wife and daughter but he is still waiting for his citizenship. Nagbe is ready to play for the national team today, not two years from now after he’s matured like is the case with Zelalem. And the really frustrating thing is US soccer could fix it if they’d just lower the requirements for representing the US to the FIFA standard. I believe by FIFA standards both Fagundez and Nagbe could represent the US.
Nope, you are completely off. FIFA only allows you to represent a country if you are citizen. Therefore, by FIFA standards, neither Fagundez and Nagbe could represent the US. You should not be able to become a US citizen just because you marry an American. Do you know how much more fraud would occur? GZ is a minor (17) so any status his surviving parent has, he has. That is basic US law. Neither Nagbe or Diego are minors (24 and 19 respectively). That being said Nagbe should get his citizenship this year.
GZ and his dad immigrated to the US in 2005/6 after his mom died. Nagbe and Diego has been here since 2001/2000. You really have to wonder why Diego’s parents did not apply for residency earlier.
Once you become a permanent resident you can leave the country on a non-permanent basis coming back routinely (I believe once a year). That is what GZ’s dad did. However, once you start the citizenship process, at a certain point, you have to stay in the country. This is again what his dad did. Once he got citizenship, his children become citizens if they are minors.
Thank you. U are exactly correct.
I’m not wrong
http://www.lawinsport.com/articles/regulation-a-governance/item/us-immigration-policy-negatively-impacts-us-soccer
“Consequently, FIFA’s statutes use the word “nationality” rather than “citizenship.”11 FIFA’s statutes — under its guidelines for players with multiple nationalities or wishing to change nationalities — provide further guidance on criteria of eligibility – in other words, what FIFA means when it uses the term “nationality.”
There is a four-part test, of which the player must meet at least one:
He was born on the territory of the relevant Association;
His biological mother or biological father was born on the territory of the relevant Association;
His grandmother or grandfather was born on the territory of the relevant Association;
He has lived continuously on the territory of the relevant Association for at least two years [or for switching nationalities, for at least five years after the age of 18]”
Actually, you are still wrong. You fail on multiple fronts:
– First, “FIFA Regulation 5.1 states, “Any person holding a permanent nationality that is not dependent on residence in a certain country is eligible to play for the representative teams of the Association of that country.” -> Green Card/Permanent Residency IS DEPENDENT on residency in the US.
– Second, “Under FIFA’s statues, both Fagundez and Nagbe would be eligible right now to represent the United States, if US Soccer were to change its citizenship requirement to a “nationality” requirement consistent with the FIFA Statutes.” -> Even your link says they are not eligible now. Your link also provides a poor analysis because US does use the main tenant of the FIFA nationality description because US nationality is not dependent on residence in the US (as it applies to citizens of Puerto Rico/America Samoa/Guam).
Third; “”The term “national of the United States” means (A) a citizen of the United States, or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States.”” -> Green Card holder owes no permanent allegiance to the United States.
There is a nuanced distinction when it comes nationality versus citizenship. However, that comes into play when discussing the home nations of Great Britain (N. Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales) etc and nations under US protection/explicit agreement (Puerto Rico) as well as others. For example Puerto Ricans have US nationality, not US citizenship.
The article does a decent, but not great job at deconstructing the legal analysis because it still fails on couple points. However, it still explicitly states that the US laws would have to change to make Nagbe and Fegundez eligible. That has always been the issue; citizenship is defined by each state (country). By current US law, neither player is eligible. They are neither nationals nor citizens.
FIFA standards say that “nationality” has to be permanent and not lost based on where you live. That does not describe a Green Card. You would need some big changes to the law to make it the same.
exactly
“US soccer could fix it if they’d just lower the requirements for representing the US to the FIFA standard.”
Maybe in an alternate universe.
Nagbe can’t step on the field in a competitive game for the USMNT unless he has a US passport.
And the USMNT can’t do anything about that.
Per FIFA all Nagbe needs to represent the US is to meet one of four criteria. Nagbe meets this one easily,
“He has lived continuously on the territory of the relevant Association for at least two years [or for switching nationalities, for at least five years after the age of 18]“”
Mr. zip,
I’ll leave it to others, such as Anthony, to make the arguments re your eligibility issues. They will do a better job than I would.
My question is even if the USMNT could or would be willing to make such a serious change in their policies, why should they do it for Nagbe?
Is he the one special player who will take the USMNT over the top? Is he, all by his lonesome self, going to have the impact of a Zlatan, a Messi, a C. Ronaldo? Is he even as much of a game changer as a young Donovan?
Because if he ain’t all that then I don’t see why the USMNT should change their policies for him.
I happen to agree with the passport requirement. Regardless of how you feel about the whole dual national issue, a US passport is a pretty substantial document, not easy to get, if you are not born to it. And it should stay that way.
No offense,but you GROSSLY misunderstand the tenants of nationality under US law and FIFA regulations.
Nagbe NEEDS US Nationality. In his case, US Citizenship is the easier case (as I mentioned above, Puerto Rican citizenship leads to US nationality). I don’t know the tenants of Puerto Rican citizenship, but seeing that (1) he is 1 year away from US citizenship, (2) lived here for 6 years since he was 18 (he’s 24), and (3) he isn’t really blowing people away right now, we’ ll wait until next year.
The fault lies in Diego’s parents. They had been eligible to apply for permanent residency for years (then citizenship after 5 years), but did not do so for years. While I do believe he has become a permanent resident while he was under 18 a year or two ago, he has to apply for citizenship on his own. That should occur in about 2 or 3 years.
He is not a dreamer. His parents did not enter the country illegally. According to the immigration policy center, dreamers are …”unauthorized immigrants who are under the age of 31; entered the United States before age 16; have lived continuously in the country for at least five years; have not been convicted of a felony, a “significant” misdemeanor, or three other misdemeanors; and are currently in school, graduated from high school, earned a GED, or served in the military”.
Please refrain from answering questions with answers with are completely off-base when a little research will show otherwise. Opinions are one thing (and OK). Misrepresentation of facts is not.
Dreamers it is
Diego’s parents were never eligible to apply for residency. In all likelihood, Diego and his parents were here illegally. Diego mentioned that he couldn’t go to Uruguay and return until he got his P1 visa with New England. There is *no* visa that limits a minor’s ability to return to be with his parents.
No one will come out and say it, but all evidence (including why this process took so long) points to them not being in the US legally (like perhaps 5% of the people living in the US).
I always assumed his parents were here illegally because he wasn’t a permanent resident.
Coming from Uruguay when they did prolly means they are just overstaying on a legal visa for like the last 20 years.
At some point, I think someone in the family said they came to visit other family members and never left. Since Diego’s parents aren’t in high value professions or highly educated or rich, then it seems overstaying was the best option. And once you go down that path, it’s really hard to get back toward legal status.
In Diego’s case, the circumstantial evidence is that his parents were in the US illegally (he said he couldn’t go back to Uruguay & be allowed to return until he got his P-1 visa). Once you are in that situation, it takes a lot of luck to be able to fix your residency status.
And Gedion was not “fast tracked” to citizenship. His dad did all the things necessary to get him citizenship. Gedion had a Green Card soon after he arrived, which is really the critical item (and he was under 18 which matters a lot).
Fagundez family has lived in the US for awhile as legal residents or green card holders…. it seems the father dropped the ball and waited too long to apply for citizenship.
US will lose Diego… unless Diego cant beat his peers for a spot in the Uruguayan U-20 team. I read the Uruguay U-20 team is stacked with young, excellent forwards who are already getting minutes with top pro teams.
That’s the one thing I fear. I read he is 2/3 years away which would only make him 22/23 for the full team, but if there is a chance he could play at the 2016 Olympics, why give it up?
Diego won’t have citizenship until AFTER the 2018 World Cup. Getting married would speed that up by a year, but he still needs to hit the FIFA rule of “5 consecutive years of residency after age 18 in the country of your new citizenship.” That would not be until early 2018.
I just looked at the FIFA regulations. According to Article 17, it is 5 years of living in new territory after reaching the age of 18, so 23 (not after acquiring citizenship or residency). That is 02-14-2018. The 2018 World Cup will be in the summer of 2018.
However, you are right, there is a chance that he may not get citizenship until just after.
Yes, the residency rule is 5 years after turning 18. That part clears Diego for the 2018 World Cup, but he wouldn’t be a US citizen unless he gets married right away and continues to live in the US.
Diego’s family never had an legal residency in the US — that’s why he had to play on a P-1 visa. The only way that they got to a Green Card was because Diego and the Revs sponsored one.
Forget Diego – his career is going in reverse these days. Can’t even get on the field for the Revs and when he does, doesnt do much. Bottom line is he’s too small and not strong enough for the international game. He’s too small for MLS too
I’d normally say, it doesnt matter, “messi is only 5’6” … but youre right, Fagundez gets pushed around easily.
Jay,
GZ was not fast tracked.
He was the beneficiary of a fortunate circumstance, that being his Dad happened to have been a permanent resident in the US long enough to qualify for citizenship. That citizenship was just granted this year and that meant that GZ , as the minor child of a US citizen was immediately eligible to be a citizen as well.
The reason GZ went for the passport ASAP is that he is also a German national and they have a rule where if you get a another passport you have to renounce your German nationality. This would have been a problem for GZ with Arsenal because it would have meant GZ was NOT an EU player. He might then have been Agudeloed.
However, if you have a German and a US passport as a MINOR, the Germans don’t make you choose when you grow up.
It’s worth pointing out that,at this point, GZ could still choose to play for Germany or Ethiopia.
And that Fagundez needs to think about beating out Davies and Bunbury before he thinks about beating out Luis Suarez or AJ for an international place.
and lived long enough in the US w
I love how, after the past 2 years of hope and yearning among USMNT fans and on this site, we are all talking about how he’s just a kid and we should all get ready to write him off.
Man, we do have some issues don’t we? #InferiorityComplex #Defeatist
No one’s writing him off. God forbid anyone preach patience and pumps the brake a bit on the hype train of a 17 year old kid who isn’t playing first team soccer yet. Everyone is very excited, but the kid is a prospect, not an established player.
I agree with your sentiment of patience. I think that most USMNT fans, especially those like myself who follow the DA, U-17, U-20, etc… are well aware of the cycles of promise, excitement, patience, and letdown.
I just get annoyed when some folks act like everyone is the ‘hype-train’ and needs to be taught how to react to such an announcement. It is disresepectful, and reflects a bit of an inferiority complex among fans.
I’m super excited about Zelalem. There, I said it. I am also patient and prepared as I follow his career. Is that okay?
Russia 2018 will be a new blood team, maybe now we just need a new coach. Very interesting 2018 for USA!
Rubin – jozy- gyau
———GZ———
Morales—–D Williams
Chandler brooks schuler yedlin
All currently 27 or younger. Would all be under 30 besides schuler.
*curretly under 27 but would be under 30 by 2018.
Don’t forget my Texas boys Garza and Hyndman! Interestingly, “GZ” could also be interpreted as Graham Zusi.
Haha touché
So do we expect JK to play him in central defense or RB?
Lol. I don’t know… I was thinking goalkeeper, but he’ll surely get a trial at those two positions first.
I am just glad JK got him. Say what you want but prospects want to lay for him/the US.
He came in as a substitute in Arsenal’s last Champions League game vs. Galatasaray a couple weeks ago. He is not just a mascot and is clearly fighting for playing time vs. a stacked midfield. Not bad for a 17 year old. For combining vision, creativity, and skill to create chances, he is definitely an exciting prospect. Happy New Year y’all, youse guys, yins guys.
Videos of his work so far show a silky smooth midfielder, with vision and pace.
A spiritual presence, in a strong, beautiful physical package.
At best – he becomes a force as an attacking winger, or the man in the middle pulling strings and distributing sphere with sextant and compass – the heart and soul of the USMNT.
At worst he may go the way of Johann Smith, never to be heard or seen from again.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch – 2,000 yards of wind sprints, 50s or 100s, your choice gentlemen.
Won’t be soon now.
Patience.
Feliz Navidad y Prospero Anyo Nuevo!
poetry
Holy crap, Johann Smith. I had completely forgotten about that guy. Looked him up and apparently he’s playing in Australia’s second division now.
It’s good to see that most posters on here now know that you can’t hype this kid up and expect him to be in the full national team. It seems like only a short time ago when everybody was creaming themselves when Julian Green decided to commit and was only playing for Bayern’s youth team
Hyping up Zelalem is totally acceptable. We need a promising offensive threat. That’s what he has to offer to our team.
“But if we overhype him blah blah blah… You haven’t even play one game blah blah blah”.
Screw all that.
Hell yeah, Gedion! Welcome to the goddamn United States!
agreed, but i would point out that green was also on the best team in the world at the time, and producing stats (in a lower league) that provided fodder for speculation, wild or otherwise.
for better or worse, zelalem is on–how should i put this?–NOT the best team in the world, and doesn’t have stats that are easy to find.
Nate, clearly you are misled by the common perception that “best” requires you to win 1st place physical trophies. “Best” is more of a metaphysical concept recognized only by true connoisseurs who value things like beauty, possibilities, and the ethereal. Trophies are for dolts who put their pants on one leg at a time.
How’s the weather in London today, Arsene?
Batteries not included with your Sarcasm Detector Dinho?
Neither are yours?
Green came on in the Belgian game and made the score 2-1 with 7 minutes left to go and inspired the US to go on a comeback that nearly worked. If Clint had scored off that last gasp free kick which most of us were shocked he did not, then you have the US tied with Belgium and most likely the game goes to penalties where you had a hot Howard versus Courtois,maybe the best keeper in the tournament.after Neuer.
You can talk about hype and creaming in your pants all you want but from where I sit Green proved himself to be worth all the hype that attended his getting on the team.
Perspective: Zelalem is 17 years old and has yet to play in Premier League match. Like citizenship process patience is required.
Good work pulling this from Twitter and calling it your own. 🙂
Maybe goff focus-groups his comments here first, then puts them out to all his followers.
Why didn’t I think of that? 🙂
Yay!
Now is the time for him to abandon a top tier European league and come home to MLS, right? Maybe Montreal Impact or Colorado Rapids? Mikey, Clint, tell him what to do!
He’s so good he’s gonna save Chivas USA…..
the GED*ZEPPALEM!!
GET GEDION!
Christmas came late this year!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Santa for this late gift. I needed it!
Good news, Zelalem learned the game here and developed into a top prospect. Glad to hear he’s in the fold. People have to temper the hype, which is true with most prospects. He still has a long way to go but it’s nice to know that if he makes it, he’ll be on our side.
I’m glad he gets your “Slowleftarm seal of American Citizenship!”
Sure, he’s lived here for a good portion of his life and learned the game here. My position is clear – I don’t support scouring the globe for passport Americans because we think the guys we have aren’t good enough. Guys that actually have some connection to the US like GZ are a different story. Glad that my comment merited a response from the self-appointed worst commenter on SBI.
“self-appointed worst commenter on SBI.”
made me smile
Haha me too
What’s more american than playing HS soccer
Well, now most top young players don’t play HS soccer which is a good thing. Back in 2011 that wasn’t the case.
Slow,
I used to be bothered by your contradictions, but now I just find them funny. Gideon started to learn the game in Germany. He spent 3 – 4 years in the Hertha Berlin youth system before moving to the US. He has spent less than 7 years in the US mid-2006 to early-2007 before moving full-time to Arsenal. I would argue that nearly 4 years at Hertha Berlin and 1/12 years at Arsenal has more to do with where he is now (or just as much).
However, in a thread yesterday, you slighted Mix when he (1) has an American mom (2) played on the US U20 and U23 teams since he was 18 (3) only repped the US since 2009, (4) owns a home in the US, (5) lived in he US when younger and (6) visited his grand parents every year in the US after he moved to Norway.
When did Mix live in the US?
“He has spent less than 7 years in the US mid-2006 to early-2007 before moving full-time to Arsenal. I would argue that nearly 4 years at Hertha Berlin and 1/12 years at Arsenal has more to do with where he is now (or just as much).”
why?
He’s still developing physically, but when a coach like Arsene Wenger praises your mental game, it can only mean good things.
Even in his raw state, he would still be the best passer of the ball in the squad if he joined the senior team.
This is what I mean about tempering the hype. He’s already a better passer than Bradley? Think of some of the passes Bradley made this year in USMNT games alone. Hopefully, he’ll be better than Bradley as he develops but guys should actually do something before we anoint them as saviors!
I can’t believe I’m arguing to support Brett but saying he’d be the best passer we have and anointing him a savior are two completely different things. For the record, Gz is a better passer than Bradley and I’m a Bradley fan. Never seen Bradley thread a pass 35 yards thru three defenders using the outside of his boot. Still I agree about tempering the hype but the kid had clear talent already
again, it depends on the level of opposition/pressure of competition. hell, i can “thread a pass 35 yards thru three defenders using the outside of [my] boot” when playing with my kids in the backyard. 🙂
yeah, it’s an extreme example, but all i’m saying is: he *might* be the best passer the US has ever had. we’ll just have to wait and see.
+1
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_zpnczK3kA
Around the 430 mark.
Again not saying he’s messi or anything but there are several things to be excited about. He’s only 17 yet has played 1st team minutes for a top club. He shows great composure on the ball with quick change of direction. He has a natural touch that isn’t easily learned. . Albeit they were cup matches etc but just watching the kid play shows why there’s hype.
Come on, Drake. It’s a youtube clip of a reserves match where there’s absolutely zero pressure on the ball. I like watching youtube clips as much as anyone, and I usually like commenting with you, but to think you can label him as a better passer than any established player who’s played consistent first team soccer on a high level is nuts. Freddie Adu looks great on Youtube too.
Haha yea I think this is the first time we’ve disagreed haha. But fair enough. How bout a different angle: GZ is a number 10 cam and I can’t really think of a better number 10. Mix? Meh. Mb? More of a number 6/8. Nyguen? Meh. and i think highly of the aforementioned 3 but just from the things I’ve seen (not just on YouTube, talking actual games) he looks like exactly what the US needs: a talented creative number 10. Not saying he should just waltz right into a starting lineup but he has way more potential than any other number 10 and he has already shown at least enough to equal our existing number 10s…..
No question that we haven’t been great at producing CAM’s in our history, but potential is the key word with this kid. He has soooo much developing to do. We don’t even really know if he’ll wind up being a CAM on the highest level. Look at Luis Gil and Mix. Both of them seemed like sure fire CAM prospects when they were coming up but now it seems they are probably better suited as wide in a 4-3-3 or deep lying playmakers. You never really know until you see him line up against top competition. Give this kid some time to breathe and find himself. Don’t put all these expectations on him. Just be happy he’s a guy with a lot of talent that wants to play for the USA.
I agree with what u said tho if like to point out I’ve never said otherwise. Brett originally said that he would be our best passer but stil has developing to do. I echoed that. I never anointed him anything or even out expectations. I don’t think he should have a starting spot right away or anything close to that. Let him develop. All I’m saying is IMHO he has really great passing ability and composed possession with speedy change of direction an a natural ability to move the ball around as a team. He still has more to do etc but to add, the cup apps he was playing with some main starters. He subbed off withere and chamberlain in those two matches so, even without seeing the roster, I’d bet there were other 1st teamers on the pitch. Also, while Coventry city isn’t too class Monaco is a decent team. Even further, is it wrong to assess Emerson hyndmans talent? Similar situation. Young American with talent yet still has developing to do. We can talk about their talent without anointing or puttin expectations. They still have a road to travel but they also still have qualitative talents
At least Hyndman is playing competitive 1st team soccer. These highlights from GZ are from exhibitions in the offseason where there’s zero defense and zero ball pressure. And they’re highlights, not full game action. Small sample size. I think we should see this kid in first team action playing regularly for a half season before we make ANY judgments. I’m excited and can’t wait to see him gain some first team minutes in the next couple of years, but no judgments until I do. Everyone looks great in highlights.
The point is if GZ CAN’T do that now against your kids then he almost certainly is too old to learn to do it at the international level.
If he can do it against your kids NOW then you have a starting point.
i told ya i’ve been trying to tell ’em…
What a joke. I guess MB is terrible to some because he now plays in MLS but come on. You’ve never seen GZ thread a 35 yard pass thru 3 defenders etc. You know how I know this? Because GZ has played in zero league games in his career – none ever. If GZ was this good already, he’d be in the first team with all the injuries Arsenal have had in midfield this season. But he’s just a prospect. Maybe one day he’ll reach Bradley’s level and hopefully go well beyond but that day ain’t here yet. Until then you’ll have to live with the embarrassment of supporting a national team whose best player plays in MLS. Sorry!
Never said MB was terrible. Saying player A is a better passer than player B doesn’t mean B is “terrible”. Stop with the hyperbole. All I said was that GZ has shown he has great balance and vision and would most likely be our best creative passer. I think Bradley’s great. Secondly. I have seen him make that pass and I never said it was in a league game. Playing Coventry city and Monaco is different than playing the Whitecaps…
Coventry city is a mid-table league one team. They were knocked out of the FA Cup this year by an amateur team. They’d probably finish last in MLS. And I don’t care if he made that pass against Real Madrid, one pass doesn’t mean anything.
All I’m saying is it shows the mentality of USMNT fans when they think their own players are so bad that a youth team player is automatically better than anyone we have because he plays for Arsenal.
Wow bro u take what I say to the extreme. Name out best passer? I think GZ is equal if not better AT PASSING than that player. I never said he’d be our best player. He wouldn’t be our fastest player. Wouldn’t be our strongest player. Wouldn’t be our best finisher. Wouldn’t be our best defender. But look at what our biggest need is: a cam/10. So obviously unlocking-passes aren’t out fortĂ©. So again. He is a very talented passer thus would be high in our ranks of the “passing” ability. So funny to see people twist words….. I’m with most on “let’s not over hype him” and “he’s only a prospect” etc but to diminish his current talent level doesn’t make much sense. His strengths are composure and passing; interestingly not our best strengths. . Let it rest. He’s not the messiah
Mr arm,
Which is it?
“You’ve never seen GZ thread a 35 yard pass thru 3 defenders etc”
“And I don’t care if he made that pass against Real Madrid, one pass doesn’t mean anything.”
Yeah, it’s really a huge negative that he’s not starting over guys like Tomas Rosicky and Oxlade-Chamberlain who are something like the 8th and 9th best central midfielders playing for Arsenal.
Mr Davis,
“Never seen Bradley thread a pass 35 yards thru three defenders using the outside of his boot”
I did. It was when Mikey was with BMG, though it was not with the “outside of his boot”.
Mr arm,
Whatever the merits of your stance, it seems Arsenal don’t feel as you do about Mikey.
“United States midfielder Michael Bradley felt Arsenal made a mistake by signing Kim Kallstrom in January instead of him, his father, former U.S. coach Bob Bradley, told Slate.com, who said Americans are disrespected in Europe.
During the January transfer window, Arsenal were looking to add a midfielder at the same time the 26-year-old Bradley was looking to leave Roma.”
So Arsene could have had MB but chose to just have Zalalem? iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinteresting. haha jk
Actually Arsenal settled for Kim Kallstrom. But assuming the report is true, and why would BB lie?, then Arsenal, aren’t all that high on Mikey.
Actually Arsenal settled for Kim Kallstrom. But assuming the report is true, and why would BB lie?, then Arsenal, weren’t all that high on Mikey.
This was a while ago so there shouldn’t be any connection to GZ per se.
as slowleftarm would say, he hasn’t even played a league game yet. how can you possibly know how he compares to our guys when playing competitive games against mexico, costa rica, or other world cup teams?
People need to consider the fact that Wenger is not about to give the kid a lot of minutes for a while either. Joel Campbell played well in the Greek League, played well for CR in the World Cup, and hardly sees the pitch for Arsenal and he’s 3 or 4 years older than Zelalem.
Best news I’ve heard today. Exciting times to be a USMNT supporter. He could pan out to be a first team regular, but only time will tell. I’ve like what I’ve seen from the little I’ve seen him play thus far. Meaning, I like his you tube videos. 🙂
Graham Zusi just pooped himself a little.
hahaha
Different position but yeah. Zusi needs to step it up or at least get back to his consistently pretty good but not great ways.
More like Mixx just sharted
This is great news. He’s got a ton of potential. Yes, only potential, but it never hurts to have MORE of those players in the pool.
And while lots of players have looked world class at 17 but never panned out, I’m honestly not worried about pressure from America. Trust me, he’s been Arsenal’s top prospect (and most hyped among their fans) for a couple years now. I doubt he’ll even notice the additional attention.
Can’t wait for “the 2014 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro”… May the past belong to the German Americans!
This kid is so good he can go back in time
Rosters have already been submitted for u-20 qualifying, also i dont know if he would be released as im not sure that kid from spurs will be. However going forward he should be involved in the u-20 set up as well as the u-23s. I dont believe hes ready for a call-up at this point but lets see how he performs at that level the next year or two.
I he eligable for the U-18 world cup? They might plan on him playing in that, rather then on the U20 squad.
There is no U-18 World Cup. It goes from U-17 to U-20.
even if he is the real deal, i’d still hold off on the celebrations. zelalem getting his passport doesn’t necessarily mean he’s playing for us–it could simply mean he’s postponing having to make the decision, which is totally understandable at his age.
But this helps the process immeasurably. If Zelalem’s father had been granted citizenship after 26 Jan, Zelalem himself would have to apply for his own US citizenship which would have had its own bureaucratic nonsense and Zelalem may have ultimately decided it’s not worth it. Now, we can cut out that crap and call him up as soon as possible.
agreed that it’s good news, but he still isn’t officially our player.
Mike,
“his own US citizenship which would have had its own bureaucratic nonsense ”
It’s not nonsense. Getting US citizenship is one of the hardest things in the world to get and that is how is should be.
The Post article states that he is committed to the US.
“Zelalem has told friends and American officials that he plans to commit to the U.S. program, multiple sources said. ”
even if you’re the type to put faith in non-quotes from anonymous sources, he still hasn’t actually ‘committed’.
i think he eventually will–and he’s certainly closer now than he was before–but nothing definitive has happened yet.
Close enough for government work.
Horseshoes and hand grenades
Curling and Shuffle board?
Gulati is tweeting that he’s committing to the US, so no need to hold celebrations.
all i see is that they’re processing the paperwork for him to become eligible.
it should be obvious by now that i’ll only be convinced when he scores for us in the world cup. 🙂
No “one time switch” is required. Gedion never played for a German youth team in a competition (which would have blocked him off ever playing for the US), only friendlies. In fact, he could play for all 3 countries in youth friendlies as long as he likes (just like Kyle Scott, for example).
well then, I hope he gets a game in with Ethiopia before committing to the USA.
yup, Goff even said this in his WaPo article. come on DK…poor reporting.
“One time switch” ranks with “infield fly rule” for one of most misunderstood concepts in sports.
So far so good. Get him on the field!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A late Christmas gift for Tab Ramos.
Too late, I think rosters have already been submitted
I doubt he would be available for the qualifying tourney anyway. I am being optimistic and thinking of the U-20 Cup. I know, dangerous, but it is hard not to think of the team that will be available if you throw Zelalem in the mix.
Read elsewhere that he could still play.. Hope I was wrong
It would be interesting. Per the regulations the 30 man provo roster was not binding. The official shortened roster is to be submitted 10 days before the tournament, which would be today or tomorrow, something like that.
I think a player his age would be made available. The usual losing conflict is between senior club team and youth national team. Then the club pulls rank often. But a developmental player versus national team of any stripe, particularly for a decent quality tournament, they probably let him go even if it’s cynically to see how he plays and if he’s worth keeping.
The real question being, will we call him. Because all due respect but the timing looks like it’s intended to take advantage of this legal right but also to make him eligible for some upcoming youth tourneys. We might or might not call him for quali but I don’t think he’d be in this hurry to get the passport and commit if he was indifferent to our upcoming schedule.
Well, he turns 18 in January, so he needed to get the process finalized soon (though he could have waited on the passport once he has the paperwork done).
The CONCACAF rosters are non-binding, so he could be added to the roster… IF Arsenal is willing to let him go.
He’s 17, MLSsnob. He just has great potential at this point. No one is expecting him to be playing regularly in the EPL at this moment.
Is he even getting first team minutes? I’m excited but after the julian green thing I’d like to hold my excitement for the time being.
as reported above, he’s played in a couple of cup games. but yes, it’s always prudent to withhold judgement either way on a kid that we haven’t really seen much of.
No, he’s been playing for the youth squads and had an appearance early this year in an FA Cup match. He’s not likely to get any 1st team appearances anytime soon (absent some cup matches).
“After the Julian Green thing?”
These are kids, with great talent and very high upside, but still the fact remains – kids! This isn’t instant coffee or 1 min. oatmeal or whatever instant, have it your way, I want it now thing people think they are. They are kids who have a lot to learn with tremendous potential and promise. It’s up to them mostly and some external factors if they pan out to be as good as some of the greats think they can be. It’s not a guarantee but the potential and promise suggest that the chances of them being much better than average at least are pretty good.
I get what you are saying about the hype and that’s bang on true. We really need to stop hyping these kids up and I get that part of what you are saying and fully agree with you. But when you say the Julian Green thing it resonates the tone of some disappointment when all the kid has done so far in a few caps is score a WC goal for us. Think about that for a sec, then think about what kind of promise these kids hold over the next few years of their growth and careers. Nothing is guaranteed, yes, but I’d still like to have these kids in our mix and watch them grow.
minute rice
Easy Mac.
Cup O’ Noodles
For Julian Green it kind of was like instant rice . . . did not have to prove himself the way others do.
Mmmm, yes. I also think you should’ve mentioned rice at some point.
I just want Success…in rice.
After what Julian Green thing? Bright young player committing to play for the US — what, exactly, are you talking about?
As an Arsenal fan I’m extremely excited for Zelalem to work his way up the Arsenal ranks. I don’t think the US has ever had a player with the true potential of a kid like this. If you watch the YouTube clips of his appearances over the Summer with Arsenal last year some of his passes are breathtaking. He has the vision and ability we have never seen in a US kit and he is 17 years old. This is not Nike and US Soccer hyping Freddie Adu — this kid is probably THE #1 prospect at Arsenal and is being developed by possibly the best developer of young talent in the world.
This is huge.
*Freddy Adu
If his name is “Frederick” on his birth certificate then either nickname would work …
fredua
Some people just haven’t been around as long as us eh Nate?
kids these days…
also, +1 if that was a freddy adu “real age” joke that i didn’t get.
My point was that if “Freddy” isn’t what’s on his certificate than and nickname would suffice. Since his names fredua, then Freddie or Freddy works…..
“He has the vision and ability we have never seen in a US kit.”
A very strong claim. If it can already be said that, at the age of 17, this player has ability that we have *never* seen in any player, of any age, in a US kit, then Zelalem is some sort of prodigy. The best aspect of it all is that he is in the perfect club atmosphere to develop his talents. If only to preserve our own sanity, we should all probably just let this bottle of soccer talent age and develop for a few years before expecting to see true greatness.
to be fair to Rusten, the guy is telling the truth. His vision is better than anyone’s on the U.S. and his ball retention is really good. I played with against him when he was on the Olney Rangers in Maryland. The guy is a really great and talented player. The U.S. is looking at a player who will develop pass the heights of a Landon Donovan or Dempsey and that’s just speaking on american players. There’s a reason why they link him to the likes of Fabregas
Come on. Bradley has played in Serie A, including with Roma, and at 2 world cups. It’s silly to say GZ is better right now. That’s not to say GZ won’t surpass him. But before we say he’s the best U.S. passer ever, how about he actually passes to someone in some PL games?
I’m sure you’re a top-notch midfielder but playing against you for Olney Rangers isn’t quite enough.
ro did not say Zelalem was better than Bradley.
ro did say his “vision” might be better than any current US player. What that means exactly he did not clearly define.
Zelalem is 17. He’ll probably get bigger and stronger and his experience level will increase but if he can’t make that great pass now , if he lacks the great “vision” to see a pass allied with the skill to actually make it happen then chances are he never will.
Thats what I’ve been trying to tell folks all day…
More importantly, tell us about your game. Position, strengths, etc.
Yup, Wenger has issues with many parts of the game but teaching young players is one of his strengths.
I also agree that we do not want to make him our Jack Wilshere and obsess over every little thing he does.(That said don’t start smoking Zelalem…. its stupid.)
Yeah, way too soon to label him anything but a great prospect. It’s a heck of a lot easier to make passes playing in reserve league matches or half speed exhibitions. The kid looks like he’s got a high ceiling and he may have the makings of a true attacking midfield playmaker, something we’ve really never had (with the possible exception of Tabare). I think it’s fantastic that he’s going to be a US player, expecially considering that he spent a huge chunk of his developmental soccer here. It’s way too soon to call him anything but a great prospect, though, and even among top prospects, very few of them wind up truly living up to the hype. He still could be a tremendous player for us even if he doesn’t fully live up to his tag. Look at Pato, Michael Owen, Robinho, Denilson, Hargreaves, Quaresma, Cassano, Babel, even Donovan. None of them wound up being the world class players they were hyped to be, but still put forth successful careers. Let’s just wait and see, but it’s very exciting to have a host of very talented youngsters like GZ, Rubin, Flores, Gyau, Brooks, Yedlin, etc.
I would say that Michael Owen was definitely before his injuries (and Hargreaves arguably as well). The others never really were (maybe Robinho fans may want to argue, but I thought he was very good at his peak, not world class).
If someone told you today that you could lock in GZ’s future as having a career on the level of LD, would you take it?
Frankly, I would want him to be better. LD WAS NOT world class, and I think very highly of him.
I agree with Anthony. Ld wasn’t world class. Our best so far perhaps but we’ve never had a world class player. World class is like ribery, robben, bale, messi, Ronaldo etc
I want a world class player as much as anyone, but chances are that he won’t have as good a career as LD. I hope he becomes our first world class field player, but the fact that so many of you are expecting him to play at that level and would be disappointed if he turned out as good as LD (our greatest ever field player) is troublesome to me. I think many of us are putting way too many expectations on this kid. He’s got a looooooong way to go before he becomes anywhere near as good as LD. Let’s let him develop and hope he becomes a good player.
Let me rephrase. I will not be disappointed if he ends up being as good as LD, but I want (and hopefully expect) him to be better. However, things do not usually happen as planned.
Again, TomG, we’re just saying that LD wasn’t quite world class and that we’d hope GZ’d be better than LD. No one said he is that already or put any expectations on him.
Hargreaves and Owen for sure. But functioning legs are a requirement.
He is talented no question about it but his youtube highlights are against teams that didn’t pressure him, he had all the time in the world to make his pinpoint passes. In his last two games that I have seen him play he was more what one would expect from a rail thin 17 y.o.
I think he has a great future but until he can play like his youtube highlights in every game he plays, I’m gonna hold off my expectations a tad.
Fine; Danny Stezla, Freddy Adu, Charles Renken. Other future US stars who flamed out.
It’s Dan Crowley. Zelalem is definitely a future first-teamer though, assuming normal development.
By Julian Green thing you must be referring to scoring the only goal on Belgium. Because to ignore that (as well as his lower division scoring) and write him off based on not yet breaking into the B.1 is a tad strained. It’s only one of the top leagues in the world.
Other than the fifteen minutes against Belgium, he’s looked bad every time I’ve seen him play and he’s not exactly setting the world alight this season. Quite the opposite in fact. But USMNT fans love to build up prospects, then turn on them at the drop of a hat. No different with Green.
Fair enough. It’s pretty clear he had issues with the physical side of the game as he is tiny. People did hope for too much too soon. I can’t say I wasn’t one of them.
Personally I’m on the Rubin Hype train still…
who cares about rubio rubin? we’ve got gedion zelalem now!
Youtube highlights woooo!
Part of Green’s problem is he’s not physically strong enough to compete against adult professionals. Green has alot of speed, skill and vision. Strenght will come with age. I don’t think Green is USMNT quality yet however, he needs to be given time.
My two cents, you are bringing players into a pool bigger than any given manifestation of the team and using them when they are playing well. College coaches don’t stop recruiting because they don’t know how the next class turns out. The whole point is keep getting people in and hope you get enough studs the team prospers by it.
I do think a reality check against whether they get club PT or keep playing well is necessary. And players might need to physically mature or get adult qualities (height, bulk, speed, etc.) to be more useful. But we don’t give up on players first lousy loan they go on. If he’s not figured it out by Adu or Agudelo’s age, fine. This may temporarily dull his chances to play in the upcoming year. But he’s 19. He’s a prospect in a big league. Give it time.
This is a big “get”, a bit like getting a 5-star recruit in football. Yeah, he’s just a prospect…and you really have no idea how he’s going to turn out – I’m particularly leery of him working for Wenger, who has shown some antipathy in the past towards the International game, and I would especially not expect a Frenchman to show a great deal of forebearance towards a USA International jetting all over the world – but it’s still a tremendous get for Klinsmann and the USA. We could conceivably have this guy the next four World Cups.
I think our forward pool is better than it’s shown, and we’ve got some good prospects across the backline. Where we’re notably weak is in technical players in the midfield, as was amply demonstrated against both Germany and Belgium in the World Cup, and which has gotten even more pronounced in recent friendlies with Beckerman and Jones aging out, and Bradley being hurt.
We still need some speedy guys on the wing, but between Nguyen and Zalalem I’m feeling a lot better about our prospects in the midfield than I was about two months ago.
If (Big IF) things come together and players continue to progress the 2018 WC player pool could be stacked with options at nearly every position:
Forwards:
Jozy, Boyd, Johannsson, Green, Gyau, Agudelo, Wood, Arriola, Zardes
Attacking/Box-to-Box Mids
Diskerud, Gil, Zelalem,
Defensive/Box-to-Box Mids:
Bradley, Cameron, Williams, Kitchen, Trapp, Hyndman, Stanko, Canouse, Okugo,
Outside Backs:
F.Johnson, Chandler, Yedlin, Garza, Lichaj, Sarkodi, Ferrell, Klute
Center Backs:
Besler, Gonzalez, Books, Packwood, Hedges, Dean,
Keepers:
Guzan, Howard, S. Johnson, Hamid, Clark
There is real potential and talent within this possible player pool. Who knows who’s going to breakout our show up out of the woodwork and lay claim to the 23 spots. But I for one feel better about the possibilities than at almost any other time of the USMNTs history.
You’re forgetting wide mids…. Bedoya- like people who don’t usually play in the middle of the field. although depending on formation these could be covered by Green, Gyau, yedlin, FJ etc…
and don’t forget Brek Shea!!!!!!!!!