USMNT-eligible Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu notches brace in Stade de Reims win

American-born striker Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu scored both goals in Stade de Reims’ 2-0 victory over Ligue 2 opponent Football Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas 01.

Here are the highlights from an impressive performance:

(h/t ChuckMe92 on BigSoccer)

Reims is currently in first place in Ligue 2, ten points ahead of second place Nîmes and 12 points outside of the promotion play-offs. A return to the top flight (after a brief two-year absence) seems all but assured for the Grand Est-based club.

Siebatcheu has been soaring since experiencing a slow start to the 2016-2017 season. It was expected that the young player would thrive following Reims’ relegation, however he struggled to establish himself. He joined then-Championnat National (third division) club LB Châteauroux on loan in January 2017 and went on absolute tear, scoring 10 goals in 15 matches and aiding the club’s promotion effort.

Siebatcheu has carried the magic goal scoring touch into this season, scoring 13 goals across all competitions. He was named Ligue 2 Player of the Month for September and has been a regular inclusion in the various Team of the Week selections.

As the 21-year old’s profile continues to rise, one begins to question where he will play his senior international football. Siebatcheu made his debut for the French U-21 side in June, but is (as far as I can tell and please comment below if he isn’t) still eligible to play for Cameroon and the USMNT.

Back in 2015, Siebatcheu did an interview with FOOTU21 and claimed that playing for the United States “is something that would interest [him].” However, he was never brought into any of the various youth national teams.

As the U.S. Soccer program deals with this reflective five-year period in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup, it will have to both evaluate domestic development while also continuing to search for every potential player. Siebatcheu, while probably not quite at a level of an automatic inclusion, is in the group of talented young players who deserves a speculative call up. Bring him into camp, see how he meshes with the group, and do everything possible not to lose out on what could be a great striker.

Is Siebatcheu destined to be the next USMNT player or another under the radar dual national who commits elsewhere like Norwegian-American Bjørn Maars Johnsen (7 goals in 18 matches for ADO Den Haag, in case you were wondering)? Time will tell, but it’s probably a good idea to bring a 21-year old striker who can’t stop scoring into the fold.