Matthew Hoppe, a forward from the Barça Academy, signs the first hat-trick for an American in the Bundesliga
The first American in history to score a hat-trick in the Bundesliga is 19 years old and is a culé. Of feeling and training. He is educated in the Barcelona methodology. But it is a promise that Schalke 04 uses and enjoys, who can boast of having the new one … Haaland?
Matthew Hoppe is the phenomenon that leads the valuable production that Barça is extracting from the Arizona School (Barça Residency Academy, in his international name) that welcomes and teaches footballers from 13 to 19 years old. Oil is pouring out of the Barça academy of which the young Californian striker (born in Yorba Linda on March 13, 2001) is the standard bearer in European eyes. But not the only nor the main one from the American perspective.
Three goals in 21 minutes
«Hoppe is the typical striker to play between centrals, He has interesting movements to go into space and a good physique. A hard-working and hard-working footballer », he analyzes Denis Silva, who was the director of the Arizona school and is now the coordinator of all the Barcelona academies after having been the club’s youth coach for many years.
Hoppe left Arizona to enter the University of San Diego, but the Schalke 04 he had located it on his radar and convinced him to emigrate to Germany, after passing through the branch for the last polishing. The young American debuted with number 43 on November 28, and in his second game as a starter, the fifth in the Bundesliga (January 9 against Hoffenheim) he scored the treble. That resounding apparition -signed three goals in 21 minutes– is the one that invited the comparison with Haaland, the great impact on German football last season.
Tested in Barcelona
It is not a talent that has gone unnoticed by Barça or that has escaped him. He traveled to Barcelona to pass a test with players his age. Just like two other boys from the academy. The level they exhibited was not higher, and their status as non-EU and minors stopped their hiring.
With Hoppe he played Julián Araújo (August 13, 2001), central defender of Mexican descent, who has already made his debut with the United States senior team. At the age of 17, while still a resident, he received an offer from the Los Angeles Galaxy and that is where he went, to play with Ibrahimovic. He also went to Los Angeles, but to Los Angeles FC, Bryce Duke, midfielder of the same age (February 28, 2001) and the only native of Arizona.
Debut at 17
It may interest you
The greatest impact has been caused by the youngest of all: Caden Clark, Born in Medina (Minnesota) on May 27, 2003. Yes, he is 17 years old. However, at 16 he was signed by New York Red Bulls. Last October he made his MLS debut. He scored a goal on his debut against Atlanta United. Four days later, the second. To Toronto. The youngest in history to achieve it. Clark has come to Sant Joan Despí three times.
«All are culés of feeling. They came to the academy because they are from Barça. They have all had offers to go to the schools of other clubs such as Manchester United, City, Inter, and they prefer to continue with us, ”explains Silva. When they are 18 years old, they are released. At that time, or before, they are automatically signed -the majority prefer to remain in the US- without Barça retaining federative rights. If you wanted to sign one of those you mentored, you should scratch your pocket.
– .
