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US youth international Joel Sonora leaves Boca Juniors to join VfB Stuttgart

By Rob Usry
Daniel Kopatsch/Getty Images

One of United States Soccer's bright, young talents is off to Germany to ply his trade. Joel Sonora, formerly of Boca Juniors' youth system, joined Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on Friday. The 19-year-old creative midfielder will head to Stuttgart's reserve team that also boasts fellow American, Jerome Kiesewetter.

Their reserve team plays in the 3rd division of German soccer, which by all accounts isn't that much of a step down from the 2. Bundesliga. It should be a good step up in competition for the young Sonora. He represented the U.S. at the most recent U-20 World Cup in 2015, where he appeared in four matches.

Sonora is a skillful, but undersized midfielder. While his talents may have blended in down in Argentina, coming to a more industrial soccer environment like Germany could be the chance he needs to shine. Stuttgart's reserve team coach likes what he sees in the youngster.

"We've had a closer look at Joel during two longer trials, and are convinced of his skills,"

"Through his technique and his shot skills, he adds important elements to our attacking game. But right now, it is important that he settles in here and adjusts his game to German football."

-Stuttgart reserves coach Walter Thomae; Source: ESPNFC

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