Next Great Hope for US Already Has Chronic Knee Problems

Good piece from Soccernet’s Justin Rodriguez about The Next Great US Soccer Savior (Charles Renken), who has been unable to play in the CONCACAF U-17 due to his second knee in jury in 14 months. Not good for a 15-year-old.

But luckily his future still looks bright. Says Renken:

“My doctor ([U.S. national team physician Dr. Bert Mandelbaum] says that my surgery was perfect and I honestly feel fantastic. Before the operation, I thought there was no way I could be back for the world championships [in October], but my doctor says I am responding so well that it is possible.”

And Dr. Mandelbaum echoed that sentiment:

“Charles’ surgery went extremely well and he has responded even better than I could have hoped for. Charles is a great kid and I am very confident that he will be back playing soccer in six months, and that he will excel.”

And while that’s all fine and good, what’s most interesting is just how much buzz this kid has — not only here in the States, but with the giants of Europe, as well:

Virtually every English Premier League team — from Manchester United to Liverpool — has shown some interest in Renken. He has already worked out for Arsenal and Reading and, in Germany, 1860 Munich and Bayern Munich. Renken and U-17 teammate, striker Joseph-Claude Gyau, practiced with Bayern Munich just this past January.

Rodriguez also says that Renken already has an endorsement deal with Nike and is likely to sign with a professional club with a year. Fantastic. Before long, he’ll be rotting on a European bench like the rest of our Next Great American players.