Big clubs like Manchester City and Barcelona are always scouring the market for the next big talents to mould into world-class operators.
However, alongside assessing bright sparks in French football, they’re also looking across the pond at some of America’s top young players.
Several young American players are starting to make a name for themselves in Major League Soccer, while others ply their trade in Europe.
While they come from a land where NFL fans are in the millions and fans assess DraftKings NCAAF odds ahead of watching Champions League clashes, these players have still managed to break through and showcase their evident talent despite being from a nation that needs to improve its football infrastructure.
With many American youngsters having a potentially high ceiling, some notable European behemoths are understandably circling as we speak. Below we highlight some of the next generation they’re mulling over.
Frankie Westfield is catching the eye
For any clubs looking at marauding full backs with plenty of energy, Frankie Westfield is a player that could be on their radar.
A 20-year-old who is catching the eye of national team boss Mauricio Pochettino, Westfield is a modern full-back the Philadelphia Union are excited to have.
Whether or not he can make the step up to Champions League football remains to be seen, but Frankie Westfield has the potential needed to do so.
Peyton Miller is a left-sided player with a big future
Regarded by many as the successor to Antonee Robinson’s position in the national team, Peyton Miller is a left-sided defender with a big future in the game.
With his ability to play in more advanced areas up the pitch, Miller is a player who could suit many of the attack-minded systems we see in today’s game.
For some, New England Revolution’s 18-year-old is one of the most exciting prospects coming out of American football right now.
Mathis Albert is already at Borussia Dortmund
First and foremost, it’s worth pointing out that Borussia Dortmund are, of course, a huge club in their own right. However, it’s fair to say the German side aren’t in the same league as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG.
As such, keeping hold of bright sparks like Mathis Albert might be a big ask if the American attacker continues on his upward trajectory.
At just 17, Albert has already made his Bundesliga debut, and while he still has a lot to work on, the American prodigy could end up at a European behemoth in the coming years.
Barcelona are looking at Neil Pierre
Alongside a few other massive clubs, Barcelona are reportedly looking at Neil Pierre. The towering 6ft 7in defender is just 18 years old, but he’s already impressing alongside Frankie Westfield at Philadelphia Union.
As a result of his world-class potential, Barcelona are reportedly tracking the giant centre-half, although other clubs are also assessing his undoubted potential.
Adri Mehmeti is being monitored
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of young players show promise, before vanishing into obscurity after failing to live up to their initial hype.
While that could happen to Adri Mehmeti, his natural talent for the beautiful game suggests that the Red Bull New York midfielder could become one of his country’s best players.
Aged 17, Mehmeti is already a key part of his club’s midfield. Of course, the MLS is nowhere near as demanding as Premier League football, for example, but if he bulks up and continues to showcase his qualities on the ball, then several top European clubs could come calling.
