As is tradition in US Soccer, the next big star or the face of Soccer is yearning to be named. Apparently, we will not make it as a soccer nation until we have a global superstar ala Messi or Ronaldo. Hell even a Higuain would do wonders for this country (as long it's a skinnier version than the current model). The Guardian has been doing a great job over the last few years identifying the top talent across the globe as their best guesses at the next wave of superstars in the sport. Fortunately enough, the US has had players on the list each of the past four years. Past US players on their lists have included Erik Palmer-Brown, Nick Taitague, and of course the current face of US Soccer, Christian Pulisic. Obviously, we've seen the incredible potential from the players on this list and even some dividends with Pulisic dominating the headlines for the National Team. Now, we have the next chosen ones and those players are: Andrew Carelton and Timothy Weah. They are both playing on the current U17 team in the World Cup in India so will have their chance to shine. This is a tournament that has put a bright light on its stars, including pizzaman Cesc Fabregas, Toni Kroos, and Jurgen Klinsmann's best friend Landon Donovan.
Andrew Carleton is as homegrown of a player as homegrown players get. At the age of 16, he has already started for Atlanta FC and has been very confident in the MLS' ability to produce top quality talent for the national team and for the world stage. He has an outstanding goal record (20 g in 32 matches) for the youth national team and his professional experience will make him an interesting player to watch in India. For the MLS sake, I really hope he works out. The academy system in the country is still incredibly young and the more success stories the better for our clubs and attracting the top talent no matter where they are from.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we have Timothy Weah. The last name should sound familiar to most even if you know it from Timothy's father who was a pretty solid player in his own right.
Timothy is following in his father's doorsteps by banging in goals for PSG (academy) but differs in that he will be playing in the Stars and Bars. The pedigree is unmatched and if Timbo can produce half of what his father did in his career, we will have an absolute gem on our hands for the next few World Cup cycles.
Now more than in the past, US Youth talent is moving to play in Europe at a very young age. Whether that is better or worse, I don't know. On one hand, keeping this talents away from the American spotlight and hounding search for the "face of American soccer" will be a good thing. Let them go to these academies that are well funded with the best talent in the world. Timothy can go play in Paris and will most likely not be heard from in the US news cycle until he makes his senior international debut. The more time for development the better in my eyes. On the other hand, the foreign based players will most likely face some sort of prejudice playing in Europe. Could they be sandbagged and sat until they show they are far and away better than their teammates because they are Americans? Sure. Could they also be found out talentwise, or lack thereof, much quicker? You bet your ass. Going over to Europe will put these players to the fire immediately and these young players will need a sturdy head on their shoulders to face that.
For now American soccer fans, let's be incredibly happy that we have talent being recognized on the highest platforms. Let's also not expect these kids to be generational talents because we don't need them to be. Messi and Ronaldo show that even their level of talent on the national stage doesn't always produce the results you want as a country.
PS. Its extraordinarily depressing that these next generation players were born in 2000. Just a real slap in the face from reality that old is old and man I am washed.
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