Much has been made of the recent success of US soccer stars in the Bundesliga. Christian Pulisic, Bobby Wood and Fabian Johnson have all made waves in Germany’s top flight – and there could soon be another name – or three to be precise – to add to the list.

Orrin McKinze Gaines.



The 18-year-old Texan was snapped up by VfL Wolfsburg earlier this year after impressing on trial from Lonestar Soccer Club. He's already taken significant steps toward fulfilling his dream of becoming a pro. 

Gaines, of Austin, Texas, is settling in well in northern Germany.

"I'm trying to adapt as much as possible to the new culture," he says, seemingly unfazed by the upheaval of switching continents at such a young age, and of experiencing his first sub-zero winter. "Learning German can be pretty tough at times but it's coming along. I've met a bunch of really good friends so it's going really well."



Although officially registered for Wolfsburg's Under-19 roster, Gaines has trained regularly with the seniors and recently made his first-team debut in a friendly.

"It was a dream come true," the winger said. "It was a fantastic experience - probably the best experience of my life. And hopefully there's more to come."


Wolfsburg head coach Valérian Ismäel, himself a former Bayern Munich defender, is already impressed.

"Orrin is a young, talented attacker who regularly plays well in our U-23 side," he said. "What sets him apart is his incredible pace. He's eager to learn – and still has a lot to learn in order to make it to the very top – but he’s a very positive presence and has huge potential. He needs to keep working hard to take the next step."



Gaines is confident he is in the right environment for that to happen, especially given Wolfsburg’s history of giving young players a chance in the Bundesliga.

"The system's great," he said. "The facilities here are very nice. We have great coaches and training is really tough every day, but it's really good." 



He is also relishing the opportunity to learn from established internationals.

"I try to see what all the first-team players do in training," he said, "to see what makes them successful in order to be successful myself too."



The American counts Brazilian star Neymar among his idols but takes most inspiration from his fellow countryman Christian Pulisic at Borussia Dortmund. Relatively unknown this time last year, Pulisic has enjoyed an astonishing breakthrough campaign en route to becoming a key member if the USMNT. 



"He's a good friend from when we were in residency together [in the U.S. youth set-up] and if I were to call him up now he'd answer," Gaines said. "He's a great guy, on and off the field. When you see the success of your peers it motivates you to try and do the same, so hopefully I can break through as well."



Fans in the U.S. may soon have the chance to see the fleet-footed attacker in action first-hand when Wolfsburg, winners of the 2015 German Cup, head to Tampa and Orlando to participate in the Florida Cup (8 – 21 January) during the Bundesliga's annual winter break.