Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to start a United States men’s national team match since Freddy Adu in 2006, when Mauricio Pochettino named him in the XI for a friendly against Peru on Saturday.
The 16-year-old midfielder was selected to start the match, marking a milestone for the U.S. Soccer Federation as it looks to build a new generation of talent for future competitions.
Freddy Adu, who earned his first cap in 2006 at the age of 15, had previously held the record for the youngest U.S. starter. Sullivan’s inclusion in the lineup signals a continued emphasis on youth development within the national program.
While the friendly against Peru was a chance for the coaching staff to test emerging players, Sullivan’s start highlights the confidence the coaching team has in his abilities at a young age.
The match was part of the United States’ preparation for upcoming international fixtures, and Sullivan’s debut will be closely watched by analysts and fans alike.
<small>Source: ESPN — read the original story there.</small>