Revealed: How ex-USMNT star Aron Johannsson convinced 18-year-old Borussia Dortmund prospect Cole Campbell to represent the USA

The 19-year-old announced earlier in March that he had switched international allegiances, confirming his eligibility to represent the USA going forward. Johannsson, who is also Icelandic-American, made 19 appearances for the USMNT from 2013-2015 - including representing the USA at the 2014 World Cup. The duo met while playing in the first division of Iceland, and Johannsson's words then were the biggest influence for him.

Campbell said: “I played against Aron Johannsson. He pulled me aside and said that I must consider playing for the USA. He said it was a decision he would do all over again.”

Touted to be the next American star at Signal Iduna Park, Campbell hopes to follow in the footsteps of current USMNT players Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic, who both broke out with the Bundesliga side as teenagers before establishing themselves on the international stage.

He added: "When I signed with Borussia Dortmund I realized I was following in the footsteps of some great American players like Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna. They made a great impact at BVB and the USMNT. I am hoping to have the same success."

He will continue working with the Dortmund Under 19 squad and look to break into the first-team in the 2024-25 season. On the rise, though, his form with their youth squad will definitely be catching the eyes of Edin Terzic.