I've always expected a lot out of myself, and it can be a good quality. But it can be bad at times, too.

I feel like people put pressure on me, and that makes me put pressure on myself, which isn't needed.

In my hometown, people I didn't even know started to recognize me: 'Oh, you're that kid that's doing well over there in Europe and with the national team!'

I like to think of myself as a tough kid.

I'm trying to become just more clinical in every situation, whether it's the final pass, the final shot, or whatever it is.

It's my biggest dream as a soccer player: I always wanted to play in the World Cup.

It's been a dream of mine to play for the U.S. national team.

I'm not super outgoing, but I think the biggest thing I can do is lead by example.

I was always, you know, a decent player growing up. And yes, I was born with a certain amount of so-called 'natural ability.' But I also worked and sacrificed a lot to try to maximize what I was born with - which I think is important to point out.

In the U.S. system, too often the best player on an under-17 team will be treated like a 'star' - not having to work for the ball, being the focus of the offense at all times, etc. - at a time when they should be having to fight tooth and nail for their spot.

I think it's important to make clear, you know, that the problem with American soccer... it isn't talent.

I just try to show no fear when I go on the field every time.

I learned a lot in the Bundesliga, just playing with these very physical players, playing quickly.

I've always been hard on myself, so I expect so much out of myself that that pressure can be inspiring at time.

The pressure I give myself from within is what drives me.

Luckily, I've just had a lot of people around me that have helped me through it because I wouldn't even be close to where I am if I didn't have the support system I do. I wouldn't be able to do it on my own.

I played with the youth national team, I played in some CONCACAF games, and it's always physical; it's always intense.

I think any kid wants to get on the field as much as he can.

I was always very small, so growing up, I was always getting kicked around. It was something I kind of grew up with.

I've always said that there's a bit of a different sense of pride when you're playing for your national team.

I love watching the game, and I loved watching the World Cup.

LeBron James has always been the biggest one - I just love to watch him. I'm a big fan, and he's a big inspiration of mine.

It's definitely one of my biggest passions - I played every day after school with all my friends from high school in Pennsylvania. They weren't really soccer players, so we would play basketball all the time.

I'm just trying to live in the moment and do the best I can for myself and for my teammates, and that's all I can really focus on.