Technically
Albert has very soft feet and a controlled first touch that can handle hot and difficult passes, and that first touch consistently sets up his next action. His close control is very good with both feet. He goes to his left with enough consistency to keep defenders honest, and his foot motions are quick, efficient and clean. His step-overs are somewhat effective, but he doesn't have the most trickery or flair in his 1v1 footwork. He isn't going to embarrass defenders with a bag of tricks; he beats them with clean, economical actions.
Where Albert really separates himself is his ball striking. He's among the best young ball strikers in the U.S. pool, and he has some of the most impressive goals from distance of any USMNT prospect. He gets his shot off quickly, with power, placement and bend when needed. He can also strike the ball effectively with his left foot, which makes him that much harder to defend when he gets into shooting positions.
Playing inverted, he can deliver well-weighted through balls. Crossing is an area for improvement, though. From what I've seen, when he cuts left and cuts back, or crosses with his left foot, the delivery typically isn't very accurate. His driven crosses with his right foot are more reliable.
Tactically
Albert is a very instinctual player who finds dangerous space. He has good instincts in the final third; he finds space and he finds the ball. Long term, I think he's going to do more damage with his off-ball movement than with his 1v1 ability.
He can play in a lot of different spots across the front line, but he's best as a wide left winger or a pocket left winger. He can play on the right, but that negates his ability to cut inside and shoot with his right foot, which is one of his greatest strengths.
He has a great understanding of combining and playing off teammates in tight quarters. He makes decisions very quickly and is very comfortable in tight spaces and on tight timelines.
His passing vision is okay. At times, his crosses and cutbacks can feel more hopeful than intentional, played into an area rather than to a specific teammate. I'd like to see more specific intent in that final ball.
Physically
Albert's physical profile is good, not great. He has acceptable size at around 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10, and he appears to have added strength to his lower body over the past six months. That should make him more durable and better able to play through contact against mature defenders.
He has good side-to-side agility, but from what I've seen, he lacks elite burst and long speed. That's why he isn't consistently skinning defenders 1v1, and it's why I think his game is going to be more about off-ball movement and efficiency than being a 1v1 demon. Think Christian Pulisic now versus a young Pulisic: the explosive dribbler has evolved into a player who does his damage with movement, timing and efficiency.
He also seems to have a really good motor and fitness level, because he does a lot of running against the ball and off the ball.
Mentally
Albert has a very professional, elite mentality, which is a big reason he's moved so fast through the Dortmund system. After arriving in 2024, he scored three goals with two assists in six games for Dortmund's U17s before being promoted to the U19s. From there, he moved up to the second team and then became the youngest American ever to play in the Bundesliga.
He's a quiet killer. He doesn't do a lot of talking or show a lot of theatrics; he lets his play do the talking. From what I've heard, he's an extremely hard worker who's dedicated to maximizing his ability.
That shows up in his work rate off and against the ball. He isn't the type of winger who only comes alive with the ball at his feet. He does the dirty work against the ball and is unafraid to be very physical in duels.
He also plays with bravery and confidence. He keeps attacking 1v1 no matter how his recent attempts have gone. He has a short memory and supreme belief in his ability, a hallmark of successful young players.
That combination of work rate, professionalism and quiet confidence should serve him well with Pochettino's staff in training during his first senior camp. And when he gets his chances in the final third, he has the ball striking to make an immediate impression.
