Technical talent Jack McGlynn would be MAJOR coup for Ireland
Last week it was reported that American born midfielder Jack McGylnn was to hold talks with the FAI about switching allegiances to Ireland following a meteoric rise with MLS side Philadelphia Union.
There have been indications that McGlynn would be lined up for Jim Crawford’s under-21’s. He had to reject an under-19 training camp last year to remain with Union’s first team. However, there are plenty of indications that McGylnn should be knocking on the door of Stephen Kenny’s senior squad not only to fend off the country of his birth, but because he may already be good enough.
Still only 19 and more than holding his own in senior football, McGylnn is considered one of the best young players in the MLS according to American football writer Charles Boehm, citing that his passing game is catching the eye of the senior national team
He’s certainly got USMNT Twitter buzzing, and many Union fans are eager to see more of McGlynn, too, noting how rare and potentially useful his cultured distribution can be on their athlete-packed roster.
The youngster has just returned from the under-20 CONCACAF Championships with the USA where he played a pivotal part as they walked to victory, scoring in the final against the Dominican Republic.
In an interview with Chris Smith of 90Min, the wonderkid was described as ‘every inch’ as good as former teammate Brendan Aaronson of Leeds and explained follow him and ex-Union player Mark McKenzie (Genk) to Europe, even citing Liverpool as his dram destination.
“Well, growing up I’m a huge Liverpool fan. So I mean, I would obviously love to play there. I think everyone would,” McGlynn declared. “I’m a really confident player, so I’d back myself anywhere I go really.”
There has been a history of Irish Americans in the MLS showing an interest in playing for Ireland such as Lemar Neagle, Michael Parkhurst (25 USA Caps), Ryan Meara (Trained with Ireland in 2014), Henry Kessler (debuted for the USA last year) , Tommie McNamara and Brandon Hines-Ike (both still eligible).
Robbie Keane tried to get ex-LA Galaxy teammate Mike Magee to declare in 2013 whilst Middleton-born Shane O’Neill who represented the States at underage level, also previously linked with a switch back to Ireland. Bizarrely, Joe Lapira is the only American born player to represent Ireland at senior level with Sunderland’s Lynden Gooch an underage cap but has since played for the USA four times.
However, McGlynn looks streets ahead of all the aforementioned and is putting in some mouthwatering displays for Union in midfield. His quick and tricky feet have dazzled fans but it is his classy and ambitious passing game that is getting most people talking in MLS circles and beyond. His willingness to demand the ball, beat players and find his man with progressive through balls is quite incredible to watch.
A left-footer, McGlynn tends to play on either side on a midfield three and has been seen to come deep to collect the ball from his defenders and also drop into tight pockets in the final third where he demonstrates his creative flair. Style-wise, there are certainly Kevin De Bruyne vibes off him with his ability to drive forward and to create in such an elaborate fashion.
With MLS youth set ups producing technical talents such as Alfonso Davies (Bayern Munich), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tyler Adams (Leeds United) and McGlynn’s former teammate Brendan Aaronson (Leeds United) to name a few, the league is starting to serve up some real superstars. McGylnn is certainly showing indications that he could join those names at the top and Ireland need to act fast.
Nick, The Green Machíne Podcast
