Klinsmann picks two USMNT players as the most impressive in the league
Jürgen Klinsmann has been without a position in club or international football since his departure from Hertha Berlin couple of seasons ago.
The former US Men’s National Team coach was recently interviewed by bundesliga.com in an exclusive one-on-one talk, during which he revealed his thoughts on some of Bundesliga’s most valuable youth talents from America.
Klinsmann managed the country’s national team dugout from 2011 to 2016 through the 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign in Brazil, that saw the USMNT crash out in the Round of 16 stage to Belgium in an extra-time thriller.
The Bundesliga this season has witnessed the rise of several top USA youth prodigies.
When asked about which talented American youngster in particular drew his attention, he was quick to point out to a player from Borussia Dortmund.
"Well, I think that we're all very impressed by Giovanni Reyna. How he matured, how he developed. He's still super young in a difficult year for Borussia Dortmund. I think Giovanni Reyna made a huge step forward this year. Learning constantly. He scored beautiful goals," said Klinsmann.
Adding further, he said: "He has something in his game that is very important: that change of pace. He has very, very good technique. He's not nervous at all. He's confident in his own capabilities. It's really fun to watch Giovanni Reyna and I'm curious how he will continue his very, very positive career."
However, he pointed out a certain John Brooks of VfL Wolfsburg as the season’s best defender.
He said: "John Brooks this year is probably the best defender in the Bundesliga. I think he had an absolutely outstanding season and has been a big part of the success that Wolfsburg had this year: probably qualifying for the Champions League. The consistency he played with week in, week out is something admirable.
"He's very focused, very calm. His passing is crisp, is perfect. Also, personality wise. He has his nerves under control also when he was provoked or something happened. He stayed calm. He matured a lot over the last couple of years.”
The centre-back has been instrumental in Wolfsburg run for a top three position, having conceded just 32 goals all season, the second lowest in the league behind 2nd placed RB Leipzig (29) and ten goals behind champions Bayern Munich, who have conceded 42.