Anton Peterlin Realises His Own American Dream

It is a story more familiar with the big screen and the football movie ‘Goal’ but 22-year-old midfielder Anton Peterlin has proved miracles do happen as he secured a move from Ventura County Fusion, in the US Premier Development League, to English Premier League side Everton.

The route from the fourth tier of US football to arguably the toughest league in Europe is not a well worn path but does show that hard work and application can be rewarded.

While most young footballers train with clubs from a very young age Peterlin stayed on at college to complete a major in biology at California Polytechnic State University and plans to go into medicine if he doesn’t make it as a footballer. While studying he turned out for Fusion and was recommended to Everton boss David Moyes by Fusion coach, and former West Brom ‘keeper, Graham Smith.

Peterlin travelled over to Liverpool for a 10-day trial in March, training both with the reserves and the first team as well as watching Everton’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Middlesbrough at Goodison Park.

Peterlin’s skills as well as his general attitude and application persuaded Moyes to offer him a one-year deal which was completed this week. Born to a Danish father and Slovakian mother, he was raised in the USA, although he has spent time in both European countries and holds a European Union passport as a Danish-American citizen - therefore avoiding any work permit issues.

Many people are questioning why, if he is deemed good enough for a top premier League side, he hasn’t been picked up sooner, especially by MLS sides. It could be down to the fact he chose to continue with his studies, ensuring he had something to fall back on in case his football career stalls. It is perhaps those attributes of awareness, forward planning and intelligence that persuaded Moyes to give him a chance in the first place. So often it is attitude as well as ability that dictates a footballer's success.

So many players give up on their education early to follow their footballing dream only to be released a few years later and without any qualifications to fall back on. Peterlin is evidence that you can both study and hope to upset the football odds whilst following your footballing dreams.