Emerson Hyndamn’s emergence into the Fulham first-team picture has been rewarded with a first call-up to the American national squad from Jurgen Klinsmann.
The Texan midfielder has been given the opportunity to make his international debut against the Czech Republic in Prague in the United States’ first friendly following their World Cup exploits. The 18 year-old, who started Fulham’s first two Championship games of the new campaign, has previously represented the American Under-17 squad and his promotion represents further recognition for his meteoric rise since signing his first professional contract with Fulham last year.
Hyndman scored three goals as Fulham’s Under 18 side reached the FA Youth Cup final last season and was picked out by Magath as one of the promising youth products he could include in his radical reshaping of an ageing side that was relegated from the Premier League in May. Hyndman impressed Magath during Fulham’s pre-season tour of Scotland and, although he was a surprise selection on the opening day of the season at Ipswich, his assured display proved he was more than ready for his debut.
Hyndman is the youngest member of Klinsmann’s new look squad and the American national team coach was effusive about a number of the new faces he has selected for the September 3rd friendly:
It’s an especially good opportunity for us to look at the younger players based in Europe, which we don’t get to do very often because of their schedules. We can’t bring them into the January camp where we get to work with a lot of the up and coming talent, so for players like Joe Gyau, Emerson Hyndman, Rubio Rubin and Bobby Wood, it’s a great chance for them to experience our environment, and for us we get to know these guys better and see what they can do.
