Zach Pfeffer is not about to place any added pressure on himself ahead of his year-long loan to German club Hoffenheim.
The 17-year old Philadelphia Union midfielder will spend 2013 in Hoffenheim and although many would see this as a make-or-break chance in European football, Pfeffer is maintaining a more realistic outlook.
"I'm still not even 18 yet," said Pfeffer ahead of his January 6 move to Germany.
"Once in a while, when I'm on the field, I'll say to myself, 'I'm pretty lucky.' I've had a lot of great things happen to me at a very young age that not a lot of people have had happen to them. I'm very thankful for all of it."
And Pfeffer insists he is heading back to the Rhein-Neckar-Arena with plenty of confidence after spending previous time on trial with the Bundesliga outfit.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he added. "I'm very comfortable over there because I've been there three times.
"I know most of the guys on the team and the coaching staff and I'm familiar with the facilities. Like everyone, I'll miss my family and friends back home, but that's part of the sacrifice I think I need to make to take the next step."
