Philadelphia Union coach Petr Nowak is delighted to count on Kai Herding this season.

Before being loaned to Philly, the 27-year-old midfield/striker was one of the top attacking players for Hoffenheim II, the club's reserve team. Nowak expects that overseas experience to be beneficial to the Union as they look to get their offense in gear.

"With all of the youngsters we have in the locker room, I think he will be a good role model for them," the Union manager said. "And from the playing side, he's a guy who can be a striker, a playmaker, someone who always wants to be around the ball. He's very technical."