Jai Bansoodeb: Making USA U17s debut, being released by Chelsea, and unique two-footedness | OneFootball

When Jai Bansoodeb was part of a Sutton United Academy set-up that was on the precipice of collapse, he could only dream of representing the stars and stripes of the USA national team.

Fast-forward a year and, after his first season with Brentford Under-18s, he has made his youth international debut, scored a sensational strike to lift the Under-17s Professional Development League shield, and has discovered new elements to his game.

When asked what makes the 17-year-old tick, he replied: “Seeing how fast things can change.

“A year ago, Sutton were in danger of having to close their academy. It was a scary possibility that I wouldn't have a club the rest of the season.

“If you had told me then that, a year later, I’d have been a first-year scholar at a Premier League club and made my USA debut, I wouldn't have believed it."

Bansoodeb was called up to his first USA. Under-17s camp for their international friendly against Paraguay in March, something that the Bees midfielder was not expecting.

“I was told that I was going to have a Zoom call with the America coach and scout, but I had no idea what it was going to be about,” he recalled.

“I thought they were going to talk about how I've been doing at Brentford and my development. Once they mentioned that they wanted to bring me to the next camp, it was such a good feeling.”

Born in Maryland to an American mother from New Jersey and a father from Mauritius and Trinidad, Bansoodeb has big aspirations for his international career.

“My first camp was such a good experience; all the boys were nice, and it was a really high standard,” he said.

“It was hard for me as well because I’m not used to the humidity and heat. I had to adapt but I feel like I did well.

“Playing with the best boys in the country has given me real motivation. My biggest goal this year is trying to make the U17s World Cup squad in November.”

Bansoodeb’s talent was obvious from a young age. Progressing through the ranks at Chelsea’s academy, a pivotal moment in his journey came when he was released from Cobham at Under-12s.

“It wasn't a good feeling; I’d been there a long time,” remembered Bansoodeb. “At Chelsea, it was so competitive; it's hard to enjoy it while you're there.

"I went straight back into grassroots and played with my friends, and that helped me enjoy it so much more again.”

“Now at Brentford, the area I've developed the most is my out-of-possession work. The coaches have helped me a lot with it.

“I recently got a goal from pressing, and those moments make the hard work feel so worth it."

In his first season as a scholar, Bansoodeb recorded an impressive 12 goals and nine assists, whilst also scoring a memorable volley in the Under-17s PDL final to help lift the trophy.

Bansoodeb is a joy to watch. A mix of real flair, agility and a new, steelier, physical side to his game, he has an extraordinary ease with both of his feet.

“I’ve always just been good with both feet naturally. I take corners with both,” he said, nonchalantly.

“Once I realised that most people can't do it and it’s something different about me, I've practised more on my left to make sure I'm able to use both.

“I don't like getting forced one way, that's why I prefer playing in midfield because I've got more options; I can go left or right. I used to play on the wing at Sutton and it's a bit like you're trapped to go one way.

“I was a Chelsea fan growing up, so I loved that about Eden Hazard. Another player who inspired me was Neymar... I just love the way he plays.”