by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

It was no surprise when the teenager inked a deal with the 2007/08 Jupiler League bronze medalists upon turning 18, as all parties had made their intentions clear months beforehand - but the American Abroad's ability to adapt quickly to coach Jacky Mathijssen's system in his first preseason is raising eyebrows.

"He's right on the edge of the first team," Steve Kelly reported to Soccer365. "He trains with the first team almost every day."

With full internationals like Jonathan Blondel, Karel Geraerts (both Belgium), Nabil Dirar (Morocco), Jerko Leko (Croatia) and Elrio van Heerden (South Africa) on the midfield depth chart, the Dallas native is making his bid for playing time in a new position on the right flank.

"He came on against (weekend friendly opponent) Lille and put in the a cross for the fourth goal," noted Kelly. "He usually plays in the middle... but at 18, sometimes you take what you can get."

Jeffrey and Club Brugge open the new season with an August 24th visit from Zulte-Waregem.

[Photo courtesy of Club Brugge]

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