100 best young players to watch-out for in 2014 - Part 1

25) John Anthony Brooks

Who is he? Our 2nd consecutive entry from the Bundesliga, John Anthony Brooks plays for Hertha Berlin. A centre-back by trade, Brooks was eligible for both Germany and USA and appeared at junior levels for both sides before playing for USA at senior level.

Back in 2013: Hertha were in the second division of Germany the previous season before securing promotion to the Bundesliga in the current one. An important component of the promotion campaign was centre back Brooks. He was first choice defender for the club and featured heavily throughout the 2012-13 season. The 2013-14 season hasn’t been as smooth for him. It started off on a bright note with a goal in Hertha’s thumping 6-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. However since then injuries have affected the youngster’s season with him featuring only twice in the last 3 months of the calendar year.

Having decided to represent USA in Internationals, Brooks made his debut in August and has to his caps by playing another 90 minutes against Austria.

Looking at 2014: After a frustrating end to the year, Brooks would have enjoyed the timing of the winter break. A return to regular football would be welcome for the USA International as Hertha make the push towards European football next season.