Pro Prospects: Update on players in Europe

Pro Prospects: Update on players in Europe
by J.R. Eskilson
September 4, 2013

The end of the summer and beginning of the fall flips the calendar to a new season for a huge chunk of the soccer world. With the fresh start, it is an opportunity to take a look at some of the U.S. men’s national eligible players who have kicked off their 2013-14 seasons.

Germany calls in Julian Green

Julian Green, Bayern MunichJulian Green

The Bayern Munich teenager has seen his stock skyrocket over the past few months with his introduction to the first team of the Bundesliga giants. Green appeared with Pep Guardiola’s side during the preseason including a run out against Sao Paulo in the Audi Cup semifinal in July.

Since then, Green has moved back to Bayern Munich II (reserve team) for this season and has excelled. He leads the team in scoring with seven goals in nine appearances for the leaders of the Regionalliga Bayern.

The success has not been ignored by Germany, which called Green into a U19 national team camp in August. This week he was called into another camp to take place September 6-10 with games against Netherlands and Greece.

Despite the interest from Germany, the door is not entirely closed on the U.S. national team. Green told ABC News in August that he ‘hasn’t decided.’

For more about Green’s story, read TopDrawerSoccer.com’s profile of him from 2012.

Maki Tall back to work

French-American striker Maki Tall switched clubs in the offseason after his contract with Le Mans expired. Looking for a bigger challenges and first team minutes, Tall signed with Lille.

Last week, he made his debut with the new club when he suited up for the U19 squad. He scored in the fixture against Lens, which Lille won 3-0. Over the weekend, he netted the game-winner in Lille’s 3-2 win over Avranches.

Tall is expected to play with the reserve team for much of the season, but first team minutes are in the picture for this season.

U.S. U18 MNT makes pro debut

Ben Spencer, a product of the Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA academies, made his professional debut on Sunday in a 4-0 win for Molde FK over Valerenga Osla. Spencer played the final 15 minutes of the contest.

After signing with the Norwegian club in March, Spencer has dealt with injuries but making his debut at only 18 years of age is a very promising sign for his future with the club.

Spencer made the bench for the first team in July during Champions League qualifiers against Silgo Rovers.

Molde FK sits in the eight spot in the Tippeligaen, the top flight of Norway’s leagues, after 22 games.

Piakai Henkel signs pro deal

Piakai Henkel, previously featured on TopDrawerSoccer.com, recently signed his first professional contract. The U.S. U18 Men’s National Team midfielder inked a deal with Fagiano Okayama, a J. League Division 2 side.

Fagiano Okayama sits midtable after 32 games 10-7-15 record. The U.S. teenager has not featured for the first team yet.

Henkel previously played with PSG and AS Amiens academy teams in France.

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