Aron Johansson Will Endear Himself to U.S. Soccer Fans Quickly with Moves Like This

Earlier this summer Aron Johansson decided he’d play internationally for the United States, the country of his birth, rather than Iceland, where he grew up after moving away from Alabama at the age of three. American fans — andJurgen Klinsmann — are going to be happy he made that choice.

Last week most U.S. fans got their first glimpse of Johansson when he played in the American’s 4-3 win over Bosnia. The 22-year-old plays for AZ in the Netherlands, Jozy Altidore’s former club, and he can’t stop scoring. Here’s his nasty footwork on display in a Europa League qualifier against Greek club Atromitos.

Johansson has now scored in five consecutive games. When you think about it, the choice to represent the United States internationally shouldn’t have been that tough a call. The U.S. has qualified for every World Cup since 1990 and Iceland has never featured in a major tournament. Iceland does have an outside shot to make it to Brazil, sitting third in UEFA Group E, trailing Switzerland and Albania.

Both Ty Duffy and I had Johansson in the 23-man roster the U.S. will bring to Brazil for the 2014 World Cup.

Sorry to do you dirty like this, Iceland. At least you’ll always be an important territory in the game of Risk.