By DAN KARELL
If the latest report is true, U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann isn’t yet finished looking for the best dual-national talent in Germany.
According to a report in German publication BILD, Klinsmann plans to call in 18-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder Julian Green for the U.S.’s friendly matches on Nov. 15 and 19 against Scotland and Austria. Green would have to file a one-time switch to play in either of those matches as he is provisionally tied to Germany after having played for that nation in Euro U-19 qualifying earlier this year.
Though he’s lived in Germany since he was two, Green was born in Tampa, Fla. to an American serviceman and a German mother and carries both nation’s passports.
U.S. Soccer has yet to officially comment on the report.
Despite his young age, Green has been playing with the Bayern Munich reserve team this season and has scored an impressive 13 goals in 14 games for the Regionalliga side in the fourth tier of soccer in Germany. The report states that Green, who is currently in the Germany youth setup and was with the Under-19s during the October FIFA dates, has accepted the call up, according to BILD’s sources.
If the report is true, Green would join a number of other German-Americans on the U.S. roster such as Jermaine Jones, Terrence Boyd, Fabian Johnson, and John Brooks. The report doesn’t state whether Green would play in the matches or just come to train with the team (something which he would not have to file a one-time switch for) and give the U.S. coaching staff an opportunity to watch him and speak with him in person.
Back in September 2012, Green accepted a call up to the U.S. U-18 side for a game against the Netherlands and scored in a 4-2 victory. The Bayern youngster also was included on Tab Ramos’ 35-man provisional roster for the Under-20 World Cup this summer.
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What do you think of this report? Do you see Klinsmann calling up an 18-year-old? Do you believe Green is on the radar for next summer’s World Cup? Do you see Green accepting the call-up?
Share your thoughts below.