We here at P2010 found an interesting article this morning on the next American up-and-comer and newer/better version of Charles Renken, Joseph Gyau.  In all seriousness, it's a good article about a player we knew little about.  And we, for two, are very excited about this kid. That said, the article was a little depressing at [.

Arsenal are thought to be in the hunt to sign American wonderkid Charles Renken after the 14-year-old impressed at a trial with the Gunners. The teenage sensation is one of the hottest young properties in the game and is also understood to have trained with Reading and German side 1860 Munich. Born in Zambia, Renken was adopted [.

Charles Renken made news when Arsene Wenger revealed his interest on the 14 year old American kid. Yes Renken is still 14. Usually, football managers sign youngsters from other clubs at age 17. Charles Renken has been likened to fellow American Freddie Adu who also came to football limelight when the latter became a professional [.

Another year another fresh crop of kids at the US Soccer Residency program in Bradenton, FL. Congrats to those who were selected, you've been added to my list. Ohh, and you'll be playing in the most prestigious soccer development environment in the country. There's that. I for one think there needs to be a second academy elsewhere in the country so increase the number of participants getting this kind of great soccer education.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

The U.S. Under-17 residency program in Bradenton, Florida has produced many of the best players in American soccer and the next crop of would-be Freddy Adus, Jozy Altidores and Michael Bradleys is set to be revealed.

No Cooper.  No Adu.  No Altidore.  Really?  To the disappointment of many American fans (myself included), Bob Bradley continues to call up players like Brian Ching, Eddie Johnson, Frankie Hejduk, and Eddie Lewis over younger players.  The most common excuse given by supporters of Bradley's strategy is the experience argument.

Did anyone notice that I now have family in the U.S. U17 national team program? It's in the genes, I tell ya.
Seriously, I don't think we're related, but it was still fun to see the name on the list.
Back when I was covering games for TopDrawerSoccer, I watched a few of the guys on this list play, including one young Charles Renken.

So. By now you have to have heard at least SOME of the hubbub about Mr. Charles Renken, the "Next Freddy Adu" or the "Next Big Thing for US Soccer" blah blah blah.  While I dislike throwing these kinds of comparisons around (the boy is only 14) there's no doubt that Renken has the potential [...]

In a perfect example of ALL THAT IS WRONG with soccer journalism, Goal.com published an article today that listed a number of players who Bob Bradley "should call up." The list included Brad Davis, Davy Arnaud, Corey Gibbs, Charlie Davies, and John Thorrington.  While I agree with Charlie Davies (and who doesn't?

You know it works, I may add as the day goes... #1 - English outlets are now talking up young Charles Renken-to-Arsenal academy. It should be quite fun to watch this young man's career unfold. Infamous (trust me... he'll like that modifier) BigSoccer blogger Bill Archer talks about the fuss and argues that he should forgo Euro-training to remain in the USSF Bradenton Residency program.

  The recent press reports linking Arsenal and other Premier League clubs to 14 year old  attacking midfielder Charles Renken whose sterling play for the US U-17 team in the Bradenton Invitational last year caught many eyes is terrifying from my perspective as an American football fan. Despite the success Arsenal has had in developing young [.

The recent press reports linking Arsenal and other Premier League clubs to 14 year old  attacking midfielder Charles Renken whose sterling play for the US U-17 team in the Bradenton Invitational last year caught many eyes is terrifying from my perspective. Despite the success Arsenal has had in developing young footballers, Americans have had nothing [.

Photo by ISIphotos.com

Good afternoon folks. With another week in the rearview mirror, and another weekend upon us where we can relax and enjoy some soccer, here is a look back at some stories I missed during the week, some hot topics I wanted to touch on and some recommended reading:

The San Jose-Houston Dynamo match set for this weekend has been postponed as Houston recovers from Hurricane Ike.

From Young Guns regarding US youngster Charles Renken: The whole of America is going crazy over his talents which sees him average a goal a game in every fixture he plays, something his Under 9 side had the pleasure of. Umm, have they been to America recently? I love Arsenal. I know about Charles Renken.

Charles Renken may be only 14 years old, but Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed interest in signing the American teen-sensation.

The recent press reports linking Arsenal and other Premier League clubs to 14 year old attacking midfielder Charles Renken whose sterling play for the US U-17 team in the Bradenton Invitational last year caught many eyes is terrifying from my perspective. Despite the success Arsenal has had in developing young footballers, Americans have had nothing but trouble when they go to England at a young age.