[U.S. UNDER-17 MEN] Junior Flores is considered one of the top young talents to come along in many years. The midfielder, born to Salvadoran immigrants, is only 16 but has already been signed to a pre-contract by German champion Borussia Dortmund and to an endorsement contract by Nike. But in his second year of residency with the U.S. under-17 national team, Flores has seen his playing time reduced as qualifying for the 2013 Under-17 World Cup approaches.

 
Richie Williams, who took over for Wilmer Cabrera as U-17 coach last year, told Jeff Carlisle of ESPN.com it is normal for a player to have his ups and downs at Flores' age:

Williams remained high on Flores, citing his work ethic -- and skill:

Williams added that Flores looked good this month as he returned to his attacking midfield position after spending a good part of last year on the wings.