United States U-17 keeper called up to train with FC Barcelona first team

Following his announcement to close the chapter on his FC Barcelona career, all eyes at the Barça training session on Wednesday were naturally on Sergio Busquets with many of the leading FC Barcelona players availing of the occasion to offer words of affection for the long-standing player. One player who maintained a low profile in the midst of the emotional farewells was goalkeeper Diego Kochen.

The Miami born player has represented the United States U-17 national team on five occasions and was drafted into first team training by Xavi for the first time. The gesture was acknowledged later in the day on Instagram with a succinct: “Grateful for this experience, FC Barcelona” message.

Despite having played for the US at U-17 level, Kochen is also eligible to represent Venezuela (father) and Peru (mother) despite the player’s initial ambition of climbing the ranks with the Camp Nou club.

Americans at Camp Nou

Barça has recently been home to USMNT players recently such as Konrad de la Fuente and Sergiño Dest, but neither managed to pin down a regular starting place at Camp Nou. At present, the 17-year-old Kochen faces competition at the club from the likes of Iñaki Peña, Arnau Temas or Andar Astralaga.