Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan has earned his first United States call-up at 16. Mauricio Pochettino named the teenager in a 28-man squad for friendlies against Mexico, Canada, Chile and Peru, with Bundesliga youngsters Cole Campbell and Mathis Albert also in line for senior debuts.
Key takeaways
- Sullivan has five goals and four assists across his last seven MLS matches.
- He made his MLS debut at 14 and has played 39 league games.
- Elversberg’s Cole Campbell scored in the promoted side’s 3-2 opening-day win over Leverkusen.
- Borussia Dortmund’s Mathis Albert is eligible for the United States, Germany and France.
- Ten players in the 28-man American squad could make their first senior appearance.
Sullivan’s form earns Pochettino call
Pochettino announced his squad on Thursday for four matches during the extended international window. Mexico and Canada, the United States’ fellow World Cup co-hosts, are among the opponents, alongside Chile and Peru.
Sullivan was left out of the US World Cup group in the summer, when the side lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16. He has responded strongly with Philadelphia. The midfielder has started every league match since the tournament and has helped keep Union in the playoff race.
If he plays in any of the four friendlies, Sullivan would become the fourth-youngest player to appear for the United States. Only Freddy Adu, Mike Slivinski and Mark Jonas would have debuted at a younger age.
Bundesliga links in the new US group
Campbell, 20, is also included after a fast start at Elversberg. The club-record signing scored their second goal in the 3-2 victory over Leverkusen on the first Bundesliga matchday.
Albert, 17, has yet to feature in the Bundesliga this season for Dortmund. He did play the full match in the 5-0 first-round DFB-Pokal win at Oberliga side HEBC Hamburg. His only Bundesliga appearance came late in last season’s 4-0 victory over Freiburg on matchday 31.
The Dortmund player has represented United States youth teams, but remains eligible for Germany and France. His first senior US selection indicates his current direction, though it does not settle his international future. A change of association remains possible until he plays in a competitive senior international.
