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Soccer US National Team

American Soccer Youth Players Defined by Injuries

Joe Gyau

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Injuries seem to be the characteristic of young American Soccer prospects. Around the 15-minute mark of the US vs. Ecuador friendly, Joe Gyau pulled up lame after barely sprinting in the fixture. You could see the disappointment and perplexity on Jurgen Klinsmann’s face when he saw Gyau walking of the field. He even left Gyau on the sidelines, hoping he’d make a quick recovery until the 22nd minute when he subbed on Bobby Wood.

It was disappointing for Gyau, who’s been looking to make a similar impact on the field like his counterpart Julian Green. Almost every American knows of the youngster from Germany, but Gyau is just like him, only less known. He plays for Borussia Dortmund now, as he was promoted from their second team just this year. He’s quick and has been on Klinsmann’s radar for quite some time. Even Alexi Lalas picked him as his “player to watch” before the game.

Injuries have stagnated growth and exposure for many young players. Although Jozy Altidore is 24, he’s been a veteran of the US Men’s National Squad for a while, but his injury in the World Cup was almost detrimental. Thankfully, Clint Dempsey and the rest of the team pulled together and advanced out of the “Group of Death,” beating the likes of Portugal and Ghana. Joshua Gatt, a pacey midfielder from Molde FK in Norway, has also been stifled by injuries, as he’s had multiple knee injuries at the most inopportune times. This happened before a 2012 call-up match and the 2013 Gold Cup, which ultimately led him to being left off the 2014 World Cup squad.

In Landon Donovan’s short tenure in Friday’s match, a subplot emerged amongst news of his retirement from international play: The United States’ best prospects are defined by their health issues. If young prospects, including Joe Gyau, want to reach his their full potential and earn the early praise they have been given, the health issues must be corrected.