Joe Gyau’s German debut could come as soon as Wednesday, when Hoffenheim squares off against Furth in the German Cup. The chance to rest some regulars as Hoffenheim fights its way into the top half of the Bundesliga table may mean a chance for the young American.
Whether he sees the field or not on Wednesday, though, Gyau’s rapid rise to the first team has been nothing short of spectacular. Just 19, Gyau is proving to be a rare American prospect who looks capable of living up to the expectations around him.
Gyau left U-17 residency in 2009 to head for Germany, by way of Vancouver. He played with the Whitecaps’ academy, alongside fellow youth prodigy Charles Renken, until he reached 18 and became eligible for the move overseas.
“When I was in residency I was getting a couple offers, but it was the Spain trip where there was a scout there from Hoffenheim,” Gyau revealed. “He contacted my agent and they worked something out where I would train in Vancouver for a year, because I wasn’t able to transfer at such a young age, and then I went over to Hoffenheim.” (more…)
by Brent