Due to injuries, Hoffenheim has reportedly promoted a 20-year-old American to the first team.
U.S. Under-20 National Team midfielder Russell Canouse has reportedly been appointed to the senior team ahead of Saturday’s clash vs. Wolfsburg at the Rhein-Neckar Arena, and according to one report, he has a good chance of being named to the 18-man roster against Wolfsburg.
Hoffenheim midfielder Pirmin Schwegler reportedly suffered a knee injury this week, raising the question about his availability for Saturday, while Tobias Strobl is also reportedly questionable for the club. The injuries leave an opening for Canouse to enter the squad this weekend.
Canouse has started 14 games for Hoffenheim II during the 2015-16 campaign, scoring one goal.
The midfielder was originally included in the U.S. U-20 team that played in the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand in 2015. He suffered an ankle injury during training before the tournament, though, and was forced to miss the competition.
What do you think of Canouse’s promotion? Think he will be named to the squad that faces Wolfsburg on Saturday?
Share your thoughts below.
Canouse did look solid in qualifying. I liked seeing him, Perez, Flores, Hyndman, and sometimes Lynden Gooch in the midfield.
Canouse made the bench today for Hoffenheim, so it wasn’t just a token promotion to the first team.
Is it me or do American players develop best in Germany ?
Matt Olusunde officially signed by ManU.
I’ve loved the chances Americans have gotten in Germany. I hope the kids of the future are noticing and it pulls them away from the allure of the EPL (a rightful allure, i may add). Playing time is more important at the early stage (or any stage really) of your career.
I’ve always been a proponent of our young players starting their professional careers in Germany, Holland, and France. IMO these leagues have a great track record of giving young players opportunities to get 1st team experience while they are developing. While the EPL may be the #1 ranked league….Germany is not far behind them and the other 2 leagues have shown to produce great players.
Not one English club is ranked top 10 in the world at the moment.
The EPL the number 1 league? Seems you have eaten up the media hype.
This is great news. Very good DM prospect, that would have definitely of changed the dynamic of our U-20 WC had he not injured his ankle. Would have relieved some of the defensive responsibilities of Zelalem.
Doubt he plays against Wolfsburg though. Hope I’m wrong
Canouse was impressive in the run-up to the U-20 WC. His play as a #6 allowed Hyndman & Zelalem greater freedom. Hope his promotion to the 1st team accelerates his development and that he can raise to the challenge.
Neat.
Make the most of your chance if you get it, young man. Good job.