Jonathan Klinsmann and Coy Craft train with Stuttgart

United States youth internationals Jonathan Klinsmann and Coy Craft spent the last week training with Stuttgart. Klinsmann is, of course, Jurgen's son, while Craft is part of the FC Dallas academy. Both are on the U.S. U-18 roster set to play a tournament in the Czech Republic this week.

"I relished my time in Stuttgart," Klinsmann told Bild. "Of course, playing in the Bundesliga someday would be a dream."

Jurgen spent five years with Stuttgart so he has a long-standing relationship with the club. They are hardly the only club Jurgen knows well, though, and he had used those contacts to get many Americans training stints abroad. Klinsmann and Craft were just two of eight youth national teamers training with European clubs.

"The lads should train at the highest level -- that's a huge experience for them. I received only positive feedback."

FIFA's rules don't allow players under the age of 17 -- Klinsmann is old enough to sign abroad -- to join foreign clubs anymore, unless the family is moving with the players. The growth of the Development Academy also means Americans have legitimate training options at home now too, but European clubs still provide greater competition and a higher level of play. For players to get a taste of it is important and Jurgen being able to use his time in Europe to set those up is very helpful. Who knows, some of these clubs might like what they see and sign some Americans.