The Chicago Fire goalkeeper is still only 18, but his imposing frame and skill with his feet make him an all-round talent
America has never had a problem producing quality goalkeepers. Tim Howard, Brad Friedel, Kasey Keller and Brad Guzan all enjoyed long spells in the Premier League and the next name to join that list may have emerged. Indeed, many expect Gabriel ‘Gaga’ Slonina, the Chicago Fire No 1 who has already started 25 MLS matches at the age of just 18, to be the USA’s next great goalkeeper.
A number of Europe’s biggest clubs share this view – Chelsea and Real Madrid are reportedly interested in signing Slonina this summer. There has also been a tug-of-war over the teenager’s international future – Poland manager Czeslaw Michniewicz visited Slonina, whose parents are Polish, in Chicago in an attempt to persuade the young goalkeeper to commit to the country and even named him in his squad for this month’s Uefa Nations League fixtures.
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