First-team opportunities have been hard to come by for Mathis Albert, even after a highly productive international window recently with the USMNT.
The 17-year-old, who became the youngest American debutant in the Bundesliga back in April, made his international debut for the Stars and Stripes last month before bagging his first goal for the side too.
Having gained four caps over three weeks of USMNT's international campaign, Albert returned to Dortmund after gaining some valuable international experience which he must have hoped would turn into regular chances with the BVB too.
But two games post the break, and he's yet to make an appearance for them. Although his future at the club hasn't come under the scanner yet, Nils Ole-Book has assured that Albert's time to play will come.
Dortmund's sporting manager praised his dueling ability while speaking to Sky Sport (via BVB Newsblog on X):
"We really do see huge potential in Mathis. He’s got something truly special about him. He’s a player who likes to take on opponents boldly in one-on-one situations. It’s basically something you can never have enough of, and we certainly don’t have too much of it either. That’s why we’re delighted he’s part of our team."
Blessed with electric pace and eye-catching dribbling skills, Albert made a statement just a few minutes into his debut when a carrying the ball towards the box prompted a Peruvian defender to make a desperate challenge that earned the USMNT a penalty.
In his second cap, against Chile, the BVB boy-wonder scored his first international goal, thereby becoming the youngest American to ever score for the USMNT, surpassing the previous record held by Christian Pulisic, although his reign lasted only four days when Cavan Sullivan claimed the milestone with a goal of his own.
However, Albert's talent was there for all to see during the international window as Mauricio Pochettino unleashed a handful of teens among whom the Dortmund starlet shone the brightest.
Ole Book refuses to get carried away by his meteoric breakthrough with the national team as he believes at 17, the player is not at his best yet.
"We have a clear plan for him. I think it’s really important to keep improving in every aspect, because at 17 you’re certainly not at your peak yet. His chances to play will definitely come – he’s got the talent for it. We’re looking forward to that time."
Mathis Albert was signed from LA Galaxy in 2024.
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