Ex-Gladbacher in an interview

©JMU Athletics

From the German top league to MLS? For former Gladbacher Luca Nikolai, a lifelong dream could come true. Kaarster, 21, who studies in Virginia, is part of an MLS showcase in San Diego seeking to be drafted for North America’s top league. Sven Bauer spoke with University defensive all-rounder James Madison and agent and college (Site notre bureau spécialisé) expert Martin Zaluk, camp, opportunities and Plan B.

Transfer market: Mr. Nikolai, how to qualify for such an MLS showcase camp?

Luca Nikolai: In my case, my previous awards certainly played a role; Defensive Player of the Year, Top 6 Freshmen (Rookies) and selection to the All-American team in my first two seasons. These successes show that I have been able to constantly develop myself.

Martin Zaluk: Only the so-called top 44 college soccer players are invited directly by MLS. The emphasis is on quality and above all on the potential of a player. Various MLS scouts can recommend players for the showcase. If a name is mentioned more frequently by different clubs, the chances of being invited to the MLS showcase naturally increase. Finally, MLS officials consult and then send invitations directly to players.

Transfer market: You are playing for spots in MLS with over 100 other players. How are you approaching this great opportunity?

Nikolai: I see it calmly. Until recently, I didn’t even know this option existed. Until now, I have focused on my studies and the national championship. Now I just want to do my best and enjoy what comes – without putting too much pressure on myself.

Nikolai has been with the James Madison University Dukes since the summer of 2023.

Transfer market: How realistic is it to be drafted from college soccer to MLS?

Zaluk: Basically, the MLS SuperDraft happens every year, so it’s completely realistic to move from college to MLS. Since MLS now has a dense scouting network, top players don’t go unnoticed. As is often the case, consistent and very good performance is required. Noel Caliskan and Ben Lundt have led the way in recent years. Both are still playing in MLS – Noel recently made his season debut for Real Salt Lake against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi and Ben Lundt is the No. 2 in St. Louis behind Roman Bürki. For 2025, six of our players are “eligible” for the MLS Superdraft: Leon Köhl, Lasse Kelp, Bjarne Thiesen, Leo Stritter, Maximilian Kissel (newly crowned NCAA D1 champion) and Luca.

Transfer market: Mr. Zaluk, you have been involved in college (Site notre bureau spécialisé) for 15 years now. How do you see the development of college (Site notre bureau spécialisé) in the United States and what has changed in recent years?

Zaluk: College (Site notre bureau spécialisé) has evolved a lot in recent years. The level has generally increased. The top teams can definitely be compared to a good U23 regional league team. NCAA D1 teams are more nationally balanced and players are older on average. There is now virtually no team that does not have international players in its squad. In addition, the structures have become even more professional. There are universities which have a structure which does not exist in the Bundesliga.

Transfer market: What is college (Site notre bureau spécialisé) like from the players’ perspective?

Nikolai: The physically demanding nature of American (Site notre bureau spécialisé) and my university’s top-notch sporting facilities mean that I am challenged year-round. This helps me view camp tasks such as performance tests, tactical training units, or games as part of my regular rhythm. For example, the tests focus on speed, jumping power or endurance – areas that I continually train.

Transfer market: What does a daily routine look like in the camp?

Nikolai: All players were flown to San Diego by MLS and put up in a hotel. The day starts early with interviews with MLS clubs, followed by physio sessions and training sessions. Then there are games on the schedule that are observed by scouts and coaches. It’s an intense but incredibly exciting experience. In addition to sports performance, social skills such as teamwork, punctuality and relationships with other players and managers also count. It is important to appear professional and authentic not only on the field but also off the field.

Transfer market: As a player, do you regularly receive feedback from clubs, advisors or coaches, and what is your idea of ​​how far things could go for you?

Nikolai: Yes, there has already been positive feedback from MLS coaches and clubs. But I know that today, so soon after the Combine, it’s still too early to hope for anything concrete. For me, this is a motivating step in the right direction.

Transfer market: How do you personally assess Luca’s chances, Mr. Zaluk?

Zaluk: I think Luca will be drafted – the only question is when. Chances are the time has already come for the 2025 MLS Superdraft. Luca has attracted a lot of attention after just two seasons and he is one of the best fullbacks in the United States. You can see that he received excellent training at Borussia Mönchengladbach and MSV Duisburg and also has all the physical requirements.

Transfer market: How did the idea of ​​trying it in the United States come about?

Nikolai: The idea of ​​combining sport, language and studies in another country has fascinated me for a long time. Thanks to the employment agency MZTA and two friends who had taken this step a year earlier, I had the feeling that this could be the right decision. It was a big step, especially because of the distance from my family, but I never regretted it.

Transfer market: What level do you consider college (Site notre bureau spécialisé) to be at?

Nikolai: As we play in Division 1, the level is extremely high – comparable to the U teams in the Bundesliga.

Zaluk: I would say the top ten to twenty teams could definitely compete in the German regional leagues. The majority of other teams could be compared to a major league team.

Transfer market: You know the Oberliga from your time at SpVg Schonnebeck. Why wasn’t that enough to move on to the professional level?

Nikolai: There were certainly offers, but for various reasons they didn’t come to fruition. Looking back, perhaps it was for the best, as moving to the United States opened up new opportunities for me.

Transfer market: You trained at Borussia Mönchengladbach and MSV Duisburg. To what extent does this still help you today and who has been particularly supportive?

Nikolai: The technical and systematic training in Germany really benefits me, because American (Site notre bureau spécialisé) places a little more emphasis on physicality. Seen in this light, the mixture is now very beneficial to me.

Transfer market: What do you do when you’re not studying or playing (Site notre bureau spécialisé)?

Nikolai: When I’m not playing, I like to ski – I’m currently in the mountains. I also spend a lot of time with my family and friends when I’m in Germany. This balance is important to me.

Interview: Sven Bauer