Bundesliga News

USMNT head-coach on Matthew Hoppe:
"He has to keep up his form and earn a regular starting place in the Bundesliga."

By Peter Weis   @PeterVicey

Nineteen-year-old American Schalke striker still has not represented his country at any level. In an interview with Germany's SportBild, USMNT head-coach Gregg Berhalter remained candid about his chances of doing so. 
Matthew Hoppe.
Matthew Hoppe.
The Bundesliga's phenom from nowhere may not have scored against Bayern on Sunday, but his five goals in the month of January leave him tied with André Silva and just behind Robert Lewandowski for the most tallies in 2021. He cannot help but be on everyone's radar now.


USMNT head-coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed that he had made contact with Hoppe in a recent interview with Germany's Sportbild. Berhalter told the newspaper that he reached out to Hoppe following his historic hat trick against Hoffenheim.

"I sent him a WhatsApp message immediately after the game," Berhalter confided to Bild, "I told him 'congratulations, great game, we'll be watching you and following you in every match'. He replied 'thanknyou very much'."

Berhalter was quick to praise Hoppe's impeccable timing, laser-like focus in chasing down loose balls, and calmly clever finishing. When asked about his chances of suiting up for the Stars and Stripes, however, Berhalter remained more non-committal.

"If Matthew continues to score regularly, he will quickly make the leap to the senior team," Berhalter noted, adding, "He has to keep up his form and earn a regular starting place in the Bundesliga. Then he will certainly get a chance."

Berater divulged that, at present, USA U-20 trainer Anthony Hudson is the one charged with remaining in regular contact with Hoppe. The teenager's first chance may come for one of the youth level squads.



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