Jonathan Klinsmann set for Hertha Berlin debut

During today’s round of final Europa League group matches an American with a popular name will make his professional debut. Jonathan Klinsmann, the son of former U.S. national team manager and German national team legend Jurgen Klinsmann, will get the start for Hertha Berlin against Ostersunds FK.

Hertha manager Pal Dardai made the announcement on Wednesday that the 20-year-old California native would start with regular No. 1 Rune Jarstein unable to play in European matches and back-up Thomas Kraft out with an illness.

“Jonathan has developed well. He looks good and is much better in training, from his stability and control,” Dardai told the AP. “There’s pressure. He has to show he can live with the name.”

Hertha are already eliminated from the competition and sit at the bottom of their group with just four points through five matches.

Klinsmann signed with the Bundesliga side in the summer and has already earned a start with the first-team after making several appearances for the club’s U-23 side.

The younger Klinsmann has represented the U.S. at various youth levels, most recently starting in the U-20 World Cup where he had a good showing, especially in the quarterfinal loss to Venezuela, where the Americans were under siege for what seemed like all 120 minutes of the match.

Will Jurgen’s son live up to his father’s name and insert himself into the USMNT picture? His pro journey starts today, so it’s his time to prove whether he belongs or not.