Caden Clark seemed destined for a second-consecutive loan spell from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, but after staying with the first team this winter, the former New York Red Bulls standout is gelling into the squad.
Clark continues his preparation with Marco Rose’s squad as the second half of the Bundesliga season pushes forward. The 19-year-old arrived from MLS during the winter break and since has been fighting to continue his development and also become an early contributor in the squad.
RB Leipzig’s quest to not only stay in the Bundesliga title and top-four races, but also advance in the UEFA Champions League remains key for the club this winter. Clark may face a tough time fighting for first team minutes over the next few months, but his strong work ethic is already impressing fellow midfielder Xaver Schlager.
“He comes from an injury, needs time, but so far he’s making a good impression,” Schlager said in an interview with RB Live. “He talked a lot during training, normally when you’re a newcomer you don’t talk that much. But he introduced himself well, settled in well, [is] a good boy who asks a lot.”
Clark scored eight goals and registered four assists in 49 combined MLS appearances, growing into a key player for the Red Bulls when healthy. In addition to his MLS development, Clark helped the U.S. Under-20 men’s national team win the Concacaf U-20 Championship last summer, clinching berths into both the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup and 2024 Summer Olympics.
RB Leipzig’s deep pool of attacking midfielders might hurt Clark’s immediate chances of playing, but will provide the Minnesota native an opportunity to learn from several seasoned professionals. For now Clark will continue training and learning this winter while RB Leipzig stays alive for a potential three trophies in all competitions.
He looks less like a little boy than he did 2 years ago. No surprise there.
He is not the only player who has had problems with injury as he transitions from a teenager to an adult. That injury prone period is often coincident with a growth spurt as his body learns how to cope with his increased size and muscle mass. I wonder if he had one in the last couple years.
Hopefully that is past now and he will thrive.
Development is rarely linear. Kid has talent and it’s a good thing he is impressing Rose. Rose worked with Reyna as well so he has a good grasp of the American player.
Clark injury issues have hampered his development, but hopefully that’s behind him for a while.
Keep up the hard work Clark.