2. Bundesliga
Who is Nathaniel Brown?
Nathaniel Brown has earned a moved to Eintracht Frankfurt on the back of an impressive first full campaign in Bundesliga 2 with Nuremberg. bundesliga.com profiles the up-and-coming Germany youth international with American roots...
Stats correct as of 25 January 2024
Age: 20 (born 16 June 2003)
Club: Nuremberg (on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt)
Position: Left-back, right-back, central midfielder
Country: Germany (four U21 caps)/ USA (uncapped)
Key stats
Brown signed for 2021/22 UEFA Europa League winners Frankfurt in January 2024, before being loaned back to Nuremberg for the remainder of the season. The 5'10" left-footer started 12 of Der Club's Bundesliga 2 assignments prior to the winter break, as well as a further three during their run to the DFB Cup last 16.
Brown has produced three assists so far in 2023/24, adding to his two goal involvements across 11 games the previous campaign. The now Germany U21 international - who has been on the Nuremberg books since the age of 13 - currently ranks as his club's fastest player, having been clocked doing 22.05 mph (35.5 km/h) earlier this term.
Plays a bit like: João Cancelo
Versatility is one of Brown's strong suits. His preferred role is at left-back, but he can also operate on the opposite flank as an inverted full-back, and has even played in central midfield. Given his ability to marry defensive and attacking qualities in a variety of positions, former Bayern Munich man João Cancelo is a fair, albeit naturally right-footed, reference point.
Did you know?
Brown's father is American, opening the door to the Frankfurt-owned defender representing the Stars and Stripes at senior international level. It's a path taken by contemporary Deutschamerikaner (German-Americans) Timothy Chandler - who also moved to Frankfurt via a breakout spell at Nuremberg - and Hoffenheim's John Brooks, as well as ex-Bundesliga players such as Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones.
What they're saying
"Nathaniel is a very talented and dynamic player who, despite his young age, gives off a very mature impression on and off the pitch. He fits our desired profile perfectly, and we're delighted he's joining us next season." - Frankfurt sporting director Timmo Hardung
"Nathaniel's versatility is a real asset. He's also very measured in the tackle, he doesn't overcommit." - Nuremberg head coach Cristián Fiel