Wolverhampton Wanderers head into the international break knowing that several of their key stars will be in action for their respective countries, mainly Portugal.

Although a surprise name has been called up to the senior side for the very first time in his career as young midfield prospect Owen Otasowie is in line to feature for the USA when they face Wales and Panama.

The 19-year-old, born in New York City, will join the likes of Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson for their November camp across Europe.

Otasowie has only featured once under Nuno Santo since his emergence in the academy set-up, coming on as a substitute during their 4-0 win over Besiktas in the Europa League last season, but his recent presence in the matchday squad for two Premier League fixtures suggests he could add to it soon enough.

And being recognised on the global stage will only do wonders for those chances.

The young American talent primarily played as a central defender last season in the Premier League 2, but has since shifted into midfield recently and it is in this role, some think he could thrive most.

His former U20 coach, Tab Ramos, who is now in charge of MLS outfit Houston Dynamo, compared his ability to Paul Pogba – he said:

“He had great athleticism, he was confident on the ball and he always wanted the ball. He never shied away from the ball and was very strong. He had a good hold up play, similar traits to Pogba in that he knows how to protect the ball. He always played midfield for us. He’d always boss it and control the game.”

“He reads the game very well and he also has great technique. I like to have teams where the central defenders are important in the development of the play out of the back. He has excellent feet for that.”

Otasowie certainly seems like the perfect player for not just Nuno Santo but Fosun too as they aim to build from within and as such, might he one day usurp Ruben Neves in the first team?

It’s possible. No Wolves star is safe following the sale of Diogo Jota to Liverpool. If the price is right, Jeff Shi will pull the trigger. At Molineux, it’s more about finding the right profile of player rather than the name on the back of the shirt.

If Otasowie impresses in that no.6 role, then he could be fast-tracked into the Portuguese’s plans.

The Reds may one day come back in for their mooted target, Neves, but with the 19-year-old breaking ground, the Wolf Pack could be in safe hands indeed.

AND in other news, Wolves must rue missing dream Jimenez partner in £36m-rated ‘next Ronaldo’…