Gedion Zelalem Cleared to Play for US National Team, Named to U-20 Roster

United States Under-20 Men’s National Team manager Tab Ramos released his 21-man roster on Wednesday, per USSoccer.com, and the most notable name on the list was Arsenal's Gedion Zelalem, who has finally been cleared to play for the United States.

Sunil Gulati, the president of U.S. soccer, tweeted out the news:

Zelalem, 18, was born in Germany but grew up in Maryland, and he was granted United States citizenship in December. So highly regarded is the youngster that United States senior team manager Jurgen Klinsmann noted in March that he already has a place on the senior squad awaiting Zelalem.

"I think he's already at a level that he can definitely play on the senior team," Klinsmann told Doug McIntyre of ESPN FC. "He's a special player."

Zelalem's decision to play for the United States is a huge boon for the country, as was Julian Green's choice to play for the States over Germany. Like Zelalem, Green is considered a top talent and plays for a top club—Green is at Bayern Munich, though he was loaned to Hamburg this season—and is expected to be one of the faces of the next generation of United States international players. 

Between Zelalem and Green, the U.S. has now pried away two potential superstars from Germany and further bolstered a program growing in stature by the year. Zelalem's official place on the U20 team is excellent news for the USMNT, especially if he lives up to his immense potential.