Photo by ISIphotos.com
You can add the name Luis Gil to the growing list of young American prospects getting looks from top European clubs.
Gil has been training with English power Arsenal FC since May 11th and could wind up joining the club's youth academy. The 15-year-old midfielder is the second youngest player in the U.S. Under-17 residency program and was one of the U.S. Under-17 team's top players in its recent unbeaten run through the CONCACAF Under-17 championships.
A product of the successful Pateadores Soccer Club in California, Gil is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the U.S. youth national team pool. He tallied a goal and two assists in the U.S. Under-17 team's recent CONCACAF Championship victory against Cuba on April 21st.
Arsenal has a long history of uncovering top young talent and developing young standouts into established stars, with players such as Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott coming through the ranks. Gil is stil just 15 and would be unable to sign a professional contract, but he could join the Arsenal youth set-up, which could then lead to an eventual place with the senior team if he continues to develop.
Gil is one of several American teenagers to get looks from European clubs in recent months. Renken, Joseph Gyau and Gale Agbossoumonde have all had training stints with top European clubs in the past year.
What do you think about Arsenal taking a look at a 15-year-old American player? Were you impressed with Gil's game at the CONCACAF Under-17 championships? Excited about the prospects of a Charlie Renken-Luis Gil midfield potentially running the show for the United States in 2018?
he is 15 that is why. so much can change over time. When I was 14 I trained with Coventry,Im almost 19 now and not professional. the reason people don’t get too excited is because grow and develop differently, not all make it and not all are superstars
Man why do we always have to “not get too excited”? These guys joining youth teams and going to Europe only means that the the game is getting bigger and better over here. These guys like Bernardo, Garza and (possibly) Gil being sprung into pro academies are opening the doors for more Americans to apply their trade abroad among the best in the business. Get excited.
Oldham Ath. really wanted to buy Kenny and even Fregie wanted Kenny to stick it out but Kenny wanted to come back and be a big fish in the MLS small pond
Posted by: Andy in Atlanta | May 20, 2009 at 10:35 AM
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I’m pretty sure that Cooper came back to the US because his father was having health problems.
He should probably start the next qualifier.