Even though he doesn’t play a lot for Bayern Munich, there’s no question that Julian Green is a great talent. The coveted forward is heralded as one of the best prospects in the world. And he’s set to start shining at the club level sooner than later.
Green is already coming off an impressive two-games performance with the USMNT these past two weeks. He scored against Cuba on Thursday, and added another strike against New Zealand this past Tuesday. Thanks to these two goals, now Green has three goals in eight international appearances.
More important, however, is the fact that Green is becoming an interesting alternative when things get tough for the US. The winger has thrived every time he’s been given a chance, and it repeated this Tuesday. His goal against New Zealand was the perfect way to show how much he has grown of late. The fact that he also assisted in Chris Wondolowski’s goal against Cuba makes things even better.
Christian Pulisic might get all the attention when it comes to American wonderkids, but Green isn’t too far behind. The Bayern winger needs to earn a regular place in the starting XI at the club level, but even if he doesn’t play much he’s already on a different level. And the US should be wise to handle him properly.
It’s not like the US has a lot of impact wingers on the current squad. Clint Dempsey and Bobby Wood tend to play on that role, but both are better suited for other positions. Darlington Nagbe is better suited to play as a central midfielder. And players like Chris Wondolowski and Graham Zusi might not be good enough to feature for the USMNT anymore.
Green doesn’t have a lot of playing time in Bayern Munich, but Klinsmann should trust him. The more he plays for the USMNT, the better he’ll look in the near future. And he will be of the best soccer players in US history if he can stay healthy.