Embrace the Youth (more).

The American Youth already stepped up once this summer in Canada, now it’s time to go even younger, and possibly deeper, into the talent pool.

The U-17 World Cup is comming up, and because of that fact it is time to educate the public of this fine website on some of the most interesting prospect’s names you should know.

By the way, I am writing this with an assumed pinky promise from all the readers that you will in no way shape or form proceed to over hype any of the players talked about in the following. If you do not oblige I will have Michael Bradley come and eat your village.

Abdus Ibrahim M/F - You may have heard of him. He was the reaaaly young kid taken by FC Dallas in this past MLS SuperDraft. Born in 1990, he is quickly becomming one of the most dangerous players on the field when the U-17’s suit up. His reputation is high in US Soccer circles and he is considered one of the best longterm prospects out of this group. Fast and skillfull, remember very young. Who knows, this could be his official breakout party.

Ellis Mcloughlin M/F - Somewhat of the posterboy of this class of U-17’s. One of the most impressive in this residency class. One of the best players on the squad. Has the ability to score from the midfield or at forward. Composed on the ball with great finishing. A great player for the age group, let’s see if in this tourney he shows the potential to translate his skills to higher levels.

Jared Jeffery M - Another mainstay on the U-17 roster. Seems to be always improving and his rep. is growing. Good read on the game, smart touches, great penetration from the center of the park. Him and Ellis will hopefully provide the leadership needed on the attacking level and heart of the team.

Alex Nimo M/F - Yeah. You have heard about him probably. He is drawing comparisons to being as good as that other kid on the youth level. First off before the soccer part, the kid has a great story, comming war-torn Liberia to already achieve such sucess. The boy hasn’t even been here that long, and he already has an international reputation.

The hype has already gotten rolling all over the place, but if you know anything about the kid you can’t say you didn’t see it comming. To put it as simple as possible; if you are looking for the one player on this squad, maybe in the whole system (excluding Jozy and Freddy), that is it, this is the kid. The one.

He’s a little on the small side, but ont he wing his speed and skill makes up for all of that. The best footballer on the team by far. Devistating from all angels, can take on players and finish it all by himself. You will see eventually. The young man says his dream is to play in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and astonishingly it may not be thaaat far out of the question.

But at this stage it is all potential, we have learned that lesson a few times already. We need not to put extra pressure on the young man and just enjoy what he is at this point. But the fact is this kid could go be something special. Just remember the “could” and leave it at that, for now.