Arsenal's talented midfielder Gedion Zelalem has now become a citizen of the USA, raising doubts over a possible future with the German national team.
"He dribbles like Iniesta and passes like Xavi." Matt Pilkington, Zelalem's youth coach in the USA.
Zelalem is eligible for a U.S. passport through the Child Citizenship Act, a law that allows the children of naturalized parents to become citizens. Zelalem’s father, Zelalem Woldyes, was naturalised in 2014. With Gedion fast approaching his 18th birthday it was imperative that he was signed up, as the law only applies to under 18's.
He wouldn't be the first American to have made the switch, if he does chose the USMNT over Joachim Löw's men. Jürgen Klinsmann, of course, is German and Jermaine Jones, Fabian Johnson, John Brooks, Timmy Chandler, Julian Green, Terrence Boyd, Alfredo Morales and Danny Williams have all joined the US set-up.
Though the decision is still awaiting approval from FIFA, it is seemingly just a matter of time before it is official. Despite still being eligible for Germany and Ethiopia (his family's homeland), the Washington Post suggest that his friends seem sure he wants to commit to the US, where he moved aged nine.
It is expected that Zelalem will play a key-role in the 2016 Olympics and 2018 World Cup with the USMNT. The 17-year-old featured in the FA Cup run that saw Arsenal end their trophy drought, against Coventry City, and also made a Champions League appearance against Galatasary this month. He is yet to play in the Premier League, although he has made the bench a handful of times.