Neil Pierre is the real 'LeBron James of Soccer' and is worth a USMNT call-up

Christian Pulisic was once dubbed the "LeBron James of Soccer." It's easy to see why, given the hype when he made his senior debut for Borussia Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2016. But if you base the LeBron comparison on physical acumen, Neil Pierre is that player.

The 6-foot-7 center back towers over opposing players at just 18 years of age, using his size to shield attackers from the ball and win almost every header that comes his way. On loan at Danish side Lyngby last season, Pierre won 64% of ground duels and 70% of aerial duels. The club conceded only six goals during his 653 minutes on the pitch, helping them secure promotion to Denmark's top division. But what makes Pierre a particularly interesting prospect is not just his defense, but his offense.

Pierre scored four goals in 10 appearances last season at Lyngby, an impressive tally for a defender. He has stepped it up this season back at Philadelphia Union, notching four goals through only seven MLS matches. He uses his titanic frame to dominate set pieces, dunking on defenders.

The ascending talent reportedly had interest from FC Barcelona earlier this summer. When he is ready for a European move, the Philadelphia Union is likely to get a hefty transfer fee for his services. At this point, a return to Europe, but at a much higher level, feels inevitable.

Is Pierre worth a call-up during the September international break?

Pierre has just burst onto the scene, but a senior call-up is not as far-fetched as it might seem. The U.S. Men's National Team used a core of five center backs during the World Cup roster -- Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty and Miles Robinson.

Ream is likely to be phased out moving forward, and of the other four, only Richards looks to have solidified a recurring role with the USMNT moving forward. That makes things wide open at center back. Given Pierre's recent run of form and high potential, he's a great candidate to be next in line, especially if his teammate Cavan Sullivan gets a call.

This is the optimal window to call up Pierre and build a commitment to the next World Cup cycle. While Pierre has played for the U.S. Youth National Team at multiple ages, his brother, Nelson, has represented Haiti, the birthplace of both of their parents, at the youth level.

FIFA only allows players to change nationalities if they have three or fewer senior caps and haven't played in a competitive match as full internationals. That means Neil Pierre can cement himself as a U.S. international if he's chosen for the squad that will play four friendlies later this month. It also means Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT can ensure Pierre is part of the long-term solution at center back by bringing him into camp sooner rather than later.

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