Joe Gyau carried high expectations as a 16-year-old when he signed with German club TSG Hoffenheim. After spending time with the Vancouver Whitecaps residency academy, the talented winger joined his European club and struggled at the start.
However, a series of strong performances with Hoffenheim's U-19 side earned him a call from US Under-20 national team coach Thomas Rongen. In December, Gyau found himself in his first U-20 camp and tallied two goals against Canada in a 2-0 win on December 18.
He'll get another chance to show off his skills in early January as the American manager holds another training session aimed at narrowing the roster for CONCACAF's April championship. MLSsoccer.com caught up with the 18-year-old before the Canada match for "Five Questions."
MLSsoccer.com: What's your most memorable United States national team moment?
Gyau: My most memorable moment so far was when we beat the Brazilian national team with the U-17s. I got the assist for the goal.
MLSsoccer.com: What would you tell yourself of five years ago?
Gyau: Oh, that's a good question. I would probably have to tell myself about ... I really don't know.
MLSsoccer.com: Who's your favorite teammate to play with? Why?
Gyau: Right now I really like playing Amobi [Okugo] and Alex Molano. I think we work pretty well in the midfield together. I've known Amobi since I was 12- or 13-years-old. We have a really good friendship. Molano was my roommate at the residency program, so I know him as well.
MLSsoccer.com: What's one skill you could improve upon?
Gyau: I'm trying to open up the field. When I get the ball from one side of the field, I need to be better about looking to switch the field. I'm also trying to pick my head up when I get the ball.
MLSsoccer.com: Where do you see yourself in five years in regards to the US team?
Gyau: Hopefully, I'll be able to play for the World Cup team in 2014. After that, still playing at Hoffenheim or a new club. I think making the '14 team is a realistic goal. In four years, I'll be 22, 21. Yeah, it's realistic.
Noah Davis covers the United States national team for
MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
