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Cavan Sullivan Lamine Yamal 2025Getty/GOAL
Chris Burton

'Let the kid play!' - Cavan Sullivan is closest thing to 'American Lamine Yamal' but Brad Friedel fears 'social media' issue could plague Man City-bound wonderkid

Cavan Sullivan is considered to be the closest thing to an “American Lamine Yamal”, but ex-USMNT star Brad Friedel wants to see the teenage wonderkid left alone to focus on his football. The highly-rated youngster, who already has a move to Manchester City lined up, has made history in MLS and would appear to occupy a similar talent bracket to a fellow sensation at Barcelona.

  • The next Yamal? Obvious comparisons

    Any player that bursts onto the scene while still in their teens is now going to be likened to European Championship and La Liga title winner Yamal. He made his bow for Barca at the age of 15, with records continuing to tumble around him.

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  • Cavan Sullivan Manchester CityGetty/GOAL

    Debut at 14: Sullivan made MLS history

    Sullivan went one better in MLS when making his debut at 14, with such exploits never likely to sail under the radar for long. Premier League giants City were quick to acquire the hottest of prospects, with a switch to England set to be completed once he turns 18.

  • Believe the hype: Sullivan generating a lot of noise

    For now, Sullivan’s development continues in the United States. He has generated a lot of noise, with their high hopes for him in the USMNT set-up, but caution is being urged when it comes to anointing those that have achieved relatively little in the grand scheme of things.

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  • Cavan Sullivan 2025Getty

    Sullivan concerns: Thoughts of ex-USMNT star

    Former USMNT goalkeeper Friedel, speaking in association with William Hill, told GOAL when asked if Sullivan is America’s answer to Yamal and whether he will go on to tread a similar path: “At the moment, yeah.

    “I’m really a walk before you can run kind of guy. Bags of talent, without a doubt. I’m more of the mould of let’s not put too much pressure on anybody at that age. As developed as they can be as a player, emotionally and socially, everyone at that age has work to do and has to experience things in their life. Pressure generally is not something that bodes well for young, outstanding players.

    “Is he an incredible talent? 100 per cent he’s an incredible talent. I wish, and it’s really difficult with social media today, there would be a lot less about him out there. I wish there was a lot less out there and just let the kid play and develop, but that’s not how the world works right now. Hopefully he can deal with it really well. My understanding is that he has a really good group of people around him. Let’s see what happens. He could be a very, very special player.”

  • Goal target: Teenager waiting on first MLS strike

    Sullivan is currently on the books of the Philadelphia Union, with more senior game time being seen there in the 2025 campaign. He is still waiting on his first MLS goal, but that achievement should arrive sooner rather than later.

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