USMNT talent Keyrol Figueroa impressed at the U17 World Cup, and the Reds star is expected to have a big future in the game. Young Liverpool striker Keyrol Figueroa is a talent to watch for club and country.
This week, he helped the USA U17 team advance to the Round of 16 at the World Cup in Indonesia. The United States are all but certain to advance to the playoffs as they face France in their final group game today. Earlier this year, Liverpool.com reported on the 17-year-old striker. Apart from Brad Friedel, not many American players have performed at a high level for Liverpool.
In fact, there are only two other players on the very short list. Zac Whitbread, who made a total of seven domestic cup appearances, and ‘left-back’ Hugh Lester, who made just two appearances in 1912. New York native Matteo Ritaccio recently joined the Reds academy in 2018, but now that he’s 22, it’s safe to say he won’t break into the big team. But Kirol Figueroa, who just turned 17, could be far more likely to usurp former USMNT players if he moves to Liverpool, despite being born in Honduras.”Every player that our coaches bring in is talented. It’s another talent, another piece of the puzzle,” Figueroa explained when asked by Soccer America why he chose the USMNT. “I couldn’t be prouder. I’m happy to be on their side!”Figueroa moved to Liverpool as an under-14 player upon his father’s retirement, while Minor (Figueroa Sr.) has connections in England and has returned from a career in MLS.
Figueroa (Junior) made his U18 debut aged 15 after scoring 90 goals in one season for Liverpool.FC Dallas Director of Coaching John Gall has worked with him for over a year in the U12 age group. Keyrol moved to Dallas’ youth academy after Maynor, who previously played as a left-back for Hull City and Wigan Athletic in the Premier League, signed for the club.“One of the things that really stood out to me was his ability to hit the ball. We have a very big game in Texas against the Houston Dynamo and he attempted a penalty kick.
“I remember thinking when he hit the ball, if the young goalkeeper had interfered with it, the goalkeeper himself would have been in the net!” His father’s skills and Maynor’s ability to shoot the ball. Very cool. The same goes for little Figgy.
