Ex-Gladbacher in an interview
©JMU Athletics
From the German top league to the MLS? For former Gladbacher Luca Nikolai, a lifelong dream could come true. The 21-year-old Kaarster, who is studying in Virginia, is part of an MLS showcase in San Diego to be drafted for the top league in North America. Sven Bauer spoke with the defensive all-rounder from James Madison University and with Martin Zaluk, agent and college football expert, about the camp, the opportunities and Plan B.
Transfer market: Mr. Nikolai, how do you 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 was able to constantly develop further.
Martin Zaluk: Only the supposedly 44 best college footballers are invited directly by the MLS. The focus is on the quality and, above all, 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 chance of being invited to the MLS showcase naturally increases. Ultimately, the MLS officials consult and then send invitations directly to the players.
Transfer market: You are playing for spots in the MLS with over 100 other players. How do you approach this big opportunity?
Nikolay: I see it calmly. Until recently, I didn’t even know this option existed. My focus so far has been on my studies and the Nationals 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 Dukes of James Madison University since summer 2023
Transfer market: How realistic is it to get drafted from college soccer to MLS?
Zaluk: Basically, the MLS SuperDraft takes place every year, so it is quite realistic to make the jump from college to the MLS. Since the MLS now has a dense scouting network, the top players do not go undiscovered. As is often the case, constant and very good performance is required. Noel Caliskan and Ben Lundt have shown the way in recent years. Both still play in the MLS – Noel recently made his season debut for Real Salt Lake against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi and Ben Lundt is the No. 2 at 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 football for 15 years now. How do you see the development of college football in the USA and what has changed in recent years?
Zaluk: College football has evolved a lot in recent years. The level has risen overall. Top teams can certainly be compared to a good U23 regional league team. The teams in the NCAA D1 are more balanced nationally and the players are on average older. There is now hardly a team that does not have international players in its squad. In addition, the structures have become even more professional. There are universities that have a set-up that does not exist in the Bundesliga.
Transfer market: What is college football like from a player perspective?
Nikolay: The physically demanding nature of American football and my college’s first-class athletic facilities mean I am challenged all year round. This helps me to see the tasks in the camp such as performance testing, tactical training units or the games as part of my usual rhythm. For example, testing is about speed, jumping power or endurance – areas that I continuously train.
Transfer market: What does a daily routine in the camp look like?
Nikolay: All players were flown to San Diego by MLS and accommodated in the hotel. The day starts early with interviews with MLS clubs, followed by physio sessions and training sessions. Afterwards there are games on the program that are observed by scouts and coaches. It is an intense but incredibly exciting experience. In addition to sporting achievements, social skills such as teamwork, punctuality and dealing with other players and those in charge also count. It is important to appear professional and authentic not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.
Transfer market: As a player, do you regularly receive feedback from clubs, advisors or coaches, and what is your sense of how far things could go for you?
Nikolay: Yes, there has already been positive feedback from coaches and MLS clubs. But I know that now, so soon after the Combine, it is still too early to expect anything concrete. For me it is a motivating step in the right direction.
Transfer market: How do you personally assess the chances for Luca, Mr. Zaluk?
Zaluk: I think Luca will be drafted – the only question is when. The chances are good that the time has already come for the 2025 MLS Superdraft. Luca has garnered a lot of attention after just two seasons, and he is one of the best full-backs 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 States even come about?
Nikolay: The idea of combining sport, language and studying in another country has fascinated me for a long time. Through the placement agency MZTA and two friends who had taken this step a year earlier, I got the feeling that it could be the right decision. It was a big step, especially because of the distance from my family, but I have never regretted it.
Transfer market: What level would you consider college football to be at?
Nikolay: Since we play in Division 1, the level is extremely high – comparable to the U teams in the Bundesliga.
Zaluk: I would say that the top ten to 20 teams could certainly compete in the German regional leagues. The majority of the 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 it enough to make the jump to the professional level?
Nikolay: There were definitely offers, but for various reasons they didn’t materialize. Looking back, perhaps it was for the best because moving to the US opened up new opportunities for me.
Transfer market: You were trained at Borussia Mönchengladbach and MSV Duisburg. To what extent does this still help you today, and who particularly supported you?
Nikolay: The technical and systematic training in Germany really benefits me, as American football places a little more emphasis on physicality. Seen in this way, the mixture is now very beneficial to me.
Transfer market: What do you do when you’re not studying or playing football?
Nikolay: When I’m not playing, I like to ski – I’m currently in the mountains. I also spend a lot of time with family and friends when I am in Germany. This balance is important to me.
Interview: Sven Bauer