Hassan Kiawu BBC Sport in Atlanta

Freddy Adu is a star at 13 years old

The American media are likening him to Pele and Ronaldo.

The 13-year-old has been causing a real stir after being selected for the United States U17 team, making him the youngest player to be selected at this level.

On Wednesday he made his debut against Jamaica, scoring one goal and setting up another in a 3-0 win in a World Cup qualifier.

When he steps onto the pitch, he's not 13 U17 coach John Ellinger

"When he steps onto the pitch, he's not 13", coach John Ellinger said. "It's like he's been through a world championship, with his poise and physical attributes.

Adu arrived in the US aged eight after his mother won a lottery that granted her immigration to the US.

He was issued an American passport on 14 February when his mother officially became an American citizen.

When he was 11 Inter Milan are reported to have offered $750,000 to take him to Italy, but his family wanted to keep him closer to home to ensure he continued his education.

He hit the headlines in the US when in 2001 he led his Maryland team to a national youth championship.

The soccer prodigy has been undergoing intensive training at the international youth soccer academy in Florida under the sponsorship of the US Soccer Federation.

His coaches say he has extraordinary ability, combining pace with the best head and dribbling skills they have seen at his age.

The US Soccer Federation said it has been inundated with requests to interview him.

Adu has superb skills and pace

Spokesman Michael Kammerman told BBC Sport that the intense media interest had forced them to deny any access to him.

Kammerman said they wanted to make sure the pressure did not affect his training or his education.

Although Adu has represented the US at national level, it does not mean that he is committed to them for life.

Fifa boss Sepp Blatter wants to introduce rules that would allow young players up to the age of 18 to decide the country they wish to play for.