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Gedion Zelalem a Great Capture For USMNT

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By @SamHader21

Getty Images

Getty Images

Jurgen Klinsmann has struck gold once again by converting another German-American into a United States Men’s National Team player.

Gedion Zelalem is an attacking midfielder for Arsenal, and he has been raved about by the likes of Arsene Wenger and club legend Thierry Henry. “I honestly think Gedion has the talent to become a great player,” stated the Arsenal manager according to the club’s website. “But that will be decided in the next two or three years because he has to show that he has the mental level required to be a top-level competitor.” Henry sees the potential in Zelalem too, stating, “He is a creative player and he can create a spark, an opening with his passing, his vision through the lines. If he manages to develop his physique and keep his qualities, he can be a very important player.”

Only 17, he has already made his FA Cup debut against Coventry, which made him the first player born after Wenger joined the club to play for the first-team. In 2014, Zelalem signed a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2017, giving him ample time before the next World Cup to adjust to the rough-and-tough pace of the Premier League.

Although some might point to Mix Diskerud as the future attacking midfielder for the USMNT, he’s already 24 and hasn’t been very impressive. Zelalem, like his German counterpart Julian Green, has unlimited potential and a very high ceiling. Considering his spot in the Premier League and his German descent, Klinsmann will likely look to Zelalem in the future as a distributor and a player to push forward while Michael Bradley stays back.

No matter where he fits, Zelalem is a great asset for the USMNT and is another reason why Klinsmann was a great hire for the United States.

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