Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger revealed last week that he feels the United States could soon be a hot-bed for footballing talent.
Well paint me in stars n’ stripes and call me Abraham Lincoln!
Surely a country that calls our fine sport ‘soccer’ can’t produce some of the world’s best talent for years to come.
And aren’t they all playing baseketball or something like that?
Well obviously not, and being sensible for a minute there a number of Americans who have impressed on these shores.
Fulham have certainly lived the American dream, and every football fan will recall the success Brian McBride enjoyed at Craven Cottage.
How about Carlos Bocanegra, he was steady, and in the present day, Clint Dempsey has done so well for the Cottagers that he recently became the all-time top U.S.A scorer in the Premier League.
Everton have reaped the benefits of a couple of stateside born players too, with Tim Howard having become one of the best goalkeepers in the top-flight and Landon Donovan catching the eye during his loan spell at Goodison Park in 2009.
Alongside Howard, fellow goalies Marcus Hahnemann, Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller have all done well in the Premiership.
And who can forget Cobi Jones’ 24 game masterclass for Coventry between 1994 and 95?
So if Wenger does see more US talent invading Britain, perhaps he has already found one in FC Dallas defender Brek Shea.
The highly-rated 21 year-old has been a stand-out performer in the MLS and has been awarded a trial with the Gunners.
And reports today state Everton could also be interested in having a look at the centre-back as well.
Maybe this is the start of America’s domination of football.
After all, the participation levels across the Atlantic are on the rise, and there is a lot of potential.
So all together now, ‘Oh say can you see…!’
Do you think America will become one of the major forces in the game?