Tuchel reflects on ‘outstanding’ rout in Rijeka as England thrash Croatia
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“These are the moments you dream of when you’re a three, four, five or six-year-old,” Sullivan said.
“I manifested this moment, not just these past couple of hours when I found out I was starting, but my whole life.”
Comparisons are already being made between Sullivan and US great Landon Donovan, who, aged 18, netted against Mexico on his first cap.
So who is Sullivan?
Who is Sullivan?
Sullivan, the younger brother of Philadelphia Union’s Quinn Sullivan, has long been billed as the next big thing in the US.
The teenager, who only turned 17 a week ago, caught the eye as a 13-year-old when he dazzled against Arsenal’s U15s before reprising Alex Morgan’s tea-sipping goal celebration.
At 14, he made his professional debut for Philadelphia Union II in an MLS Next Pro match, registering an assist, before signing his first professional contract six weeks later.
That summer, Manchester City agreed to snap up the midfielder, with the player set to move to the Premier League outfit after his 18th birthday.
This year, that potential has turned into something tangible. Sullivan has established himself among Philadelphia Union’s most impressive performers, netting seven times and registering five assists in Major League Soccer this term.
His goal against Montreal in September saw the winger become the first teenager in MLS history to register a goal contribution in five consecutive games, while he also passed Freddy Adu for the most goal contributions by a player aged 16 or younger.
But he dreams of so much more.
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Sullivan grew up idolising Messi
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Indeed, Sullivan’s confidence has had to be tempered by US boss Mauricio Pochettino, after the attacker insisted he could have made an impact for his national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“That’s for sure my first thought,” Sullivan said. “I’m watching a US game and I’m being honest with myself, but thinking of that Belgium game, I think I can come into that game on the right side and make a difference, right?
“You have to believe in yourself, you have to think you can help your team win.”
While not name-checking Sullivan, Pochettino subsequently warned his young players against “arrogance”.
The USMNT will conclude their international break with a home friendly against Canada in Minnesota on Tuesday.
