Ben Lederer, a native of Southern California, just signed a two-year contract with the Barcelona's youth soccer academy. Only ten years old, he is the first American to ever sign with Barcelona, which is the most elite soccer club in the world. Lederer, a soccer prodigy, has been recognized for his outstanding ball skills and his unique style of play. He has been compared to some of the most elite soccer players in the world like those of Andres Iniesta; a world class player that is on the Barcelona team now. By Lederer signing with Barcelona, it also gives USA soccer a better name. It proves that the soccer level in America is getting higher and closer to the level over in Europe.
As great as this is, it sometimes makes me wonder if this ten year old boy is going to lose some of his childhood experiences. I also think it is a little crazy how early clubs are recruiting young kids. They are still so young and could change tremendously in just a few years. However, by Barcelona being able to sign kids so early, this is one reason why Barcelona has proven to be a soccer powerhouse. In ten years or so, it will be interesting to see if this young boy will be seen on the pitch wearing a Barcelona jersey.
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