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Julian Green is only 21 years old, but it seems like he's been around FC Bayern Munich forever. He was touted as one of the up-and-coming talents from the Bayern youth system but despite getting a call up to the US national team for Brazil 2014 (and scoring a highlight-reel goal), he has yet to manage a breakthrough at club-level.
After a disastrous loan spell at Hamburger SV in the 2013/14 season, he returned to Bayern last season, only to spend the entire season in the fourth division with Bayern II. Although he was considered one of the key performers for the little Bayern, Green revealed to kicker (according to Fussball-Vorort) that "it has been agreed" that he won't be playing for the reserves anymore.
With his contract expiring next summer, Green isn't interested in a transfer. "I am seeking my opportunity with FC Bayern. We'll see what happens after that." With numerous players missing part of the preseason, including the current 11-day US tour, due to playing in the European Championships this summer, or being injured, Green has a chance to show off his skills in front of new coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
If he succeeds, not only would that help him in his pro career - either getting an extension at Bayern, or raising interest at another club - but it would increase his chances of getting another call up by Jurgen Klinsmann. Despite being included for the World Cup in Brazil in 2014, he was left off the Copa America roster this year, but he still sees his chances as "good" to once again wear the US jersey.
Will this finally be the year he gets his big breakthrough? He is sure to get playing time this preseason, both due to the missing players, and the fact that this is a big PR tour in Green's home country, but what he does with his opportunity is entirely up to him.