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Coming off a standout debut camp with the U.S. men's national team, teenage sensation Mathis Albert is finally getting what he's been after in Germany with Borussia Dortmund: minutes on the pitch.
The 17-year-old winger made his first Bundesliga start of the campaign for the Black and Yellow on Saturday, entering as a substitute in the 70th minute of an eventual goalless stalemate with Union Berlin.
Right after the international break in which Albert (briefly) became the youngest player to score in USMNT history, Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač pledged that Albert would be handed more playing time.
"There are no limitations," Kovač stated on Oct. 9. "He is an incredibly gifted young player who is already showing very promising signs in training, who has already featured in a cup match, and who sooner or later, most likely sooner, will earn far more minutes here at Borussia Dortmund than perhaps six months ago."
Albert failed to see a single minute of action in the two matches following Dortmund's return, however. He remained an unused substitute in the Bundesliga fixture against Werder Bremen and in the Champions League encounter with Bodø/Glimt, sparking reports of his desire to seek a move elsewhere.
Those reports appear to have resonated with Kovač, who ultimately delivered on his pledge to Albert, handing him meaningful minutes at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei this past weekend.
Albert rose to the occasion, recording 18 touches, seven completed passes, two tackles, a clearance and three victories in aerial and ground duels against the German opponents.
USMNT Youngsters Thriving
As encouraging as Albert's first meaningful appearance of the season is for his development, it is somewhat overshadowed by the remarkable form of other USMNT youngsters who featured in their first international camps this autumn.
Cavan Sullivan recently broke Alphonso Davies's record for the most goal contributions in a single season by a teenager (21) with the Philadelphia Union and helped them earn a draw against Charlotte FC to extend their impressive unbeaten streak. Meanwhile, Orlando City's Justin Ellis contributed an assist in a victory over D.C. United, his 12th of the season.
With these young talents gradually taking on greater responsibilities at club level and stepping up to the challenge of some of the most high-stakes matches of their careers, squad selection only becomes more complex for USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, who faces some tough calls ahead of the November Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals.