Subotić Focusing on Mainz

by Johannes de Jong - October 29, 2007

 
▪ Germany Weekend Review

Although recent standout performances have brought new levels of recognition from international programs, Mainz defender Neven Subotić is in no hurry to answer increasing questions about which country he will suit up for.

▪ AaB Cozy Up to League Lead
▪ The Den Leader
 

The Bosnian-born former US youth international, who also boasts Serbian heritage, is enrolled in a complicated eligibility construct with many nations beginning to take notice of his talents.

The young Mainz star, however, is refusing to commit at this time in present, choosing instead to focus on a budding club career as he looks to solidify himself in the basics of professional soccer. While many eager fans are thinking many steps into the future, the center back is keeping himself grounded.

Reports on either side of the Atlantic have suggested that Subotić has turned down recent overtures from more than one nation, including a supposed call from USMNT boss Bob Bradley ahead of a recent friendly in Switzerland, but the youngster is remaining tight-lipped for the time being.

"My decision regarding a national team will follow when I feel ready," he told American Soccer Daily. "I know there have been many rumors about me playing for this or for that country. In those cases, the only thing true is probably that some contact was made, but not much more than that."

A precocious central defender, Subotić has started all 11 league fixtures this season, prompting him to add, "I have decided to focus all my attention to my club team for the first season."

"Right now, I have played every minute for my team, and keeping my spot is not a easy task. Therefore, I need to concentrate fully on my success with FSV Mainz 05."

"Like I said, I am focused right now only on playing my best for my club team, and I will deal with the national team when I feel ready to do so."

On the 21st of October, the Reds starlet chimed in with his first league goal in a 3-1 win over SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The strike served to underscore recent attention on the 18-year old's rapidly transforming progress in development from relative unknown to 2.Bundesliga force.

"It feels good to have good things said about me," glowed Subotić, currently rated by Kicker as the seventh-best defender in the German second flight. "But I know to let it not get to my head. My plan is to play my best, continue to train hard, and become a better player day by day."

"Getting recognized for my talent is always a nice thing, but exactly that fact drives me to the next level. I want to make that step from being a young talent with big potential to being a quality player, regardless of my age."

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