Who is John Tolkin? | OneFootball

John Tolkin: Who is Holstein Kiel’s new USMNT full-back?

Stats correct as of 16 January 2025

John Tolkin

Age: 22Club: Holstein Kiel
Position: Left-back
Country: USA (four caps)

Key stats

Tolkin was born in Chatham, New Jersey, joining the prestigious New York Red Bulls Academy in 2015. There he stayed from 2015 to 2019, making 79 youth appearances in which he scored 15 goals. By 2019, he had started to play for New York Red Bulls II, making 13 USL Championship appearances and registering three assists. His first professional career assist came on his debut in July 2019; in a 4-3 comeback win over Bethlehem Steel SC.

Before long, Tolkin was moved up to the club's MLS roster in January 2020, but he wouldn't make his debut for more than another year. Meanwhile he continued to make what amounted to 26 appearances for the team's reserve side. The youngster finally made his MLS debut in May 2021, coming off the bench in a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC.

Continuing his development throughout 2021, Tolkin earned his first start later that month, before scoring his first senior professional goal in August. Showing no signs of slowing, Tolkin ultimately spent four seasons with the Red Bulls’ first team, across which he made 114 MLS appearances, 107 of which were starts. He scored seven goals and recorded 12 assists.

In 2023, Tolkin set a new club record for the most assists by a defender in a single season in all competitions (with 10). In doing so, he also recorded the most assists by a homegrown player in a single season in all competitions. Such good performances didn't go unnoticed either, as he has been capped four times by the USMNT, making his debut in January 2023 in a friendly against Colombia. Most recently, he was selected as a part of the team that represented the USA at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games.

Plays a bit like: David Raum

Like his German counterpart, Tolkin is blessed with blistering speed, looks to provide width down the left for his side, and endeavours to get up the pitch to help his team in attack as much as possible. Both defenders have very good track records in terms of assists, but Tolkin has also been noted for his defensive solidity and courage in the tackle. He has also shared a teammate with Raum during his time in New York in the form of former-Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg.

Did you know?

Tolkin is referred to as "JMi" almost exclusively by teammates, friends and family (a reference to his middle name Michael). He revealed in 2023 that the nickname was given to him by his uncle when he was young and that he hardly answers to "John".

What they're saying

“[John] has been an outstanding player and person for our club over the last ten years and we appreciate everything he has done for the club. It’s great to see that a player who joined us at a very young age make his way from our academy to our first team and is now to a Bundesliga club. We wish him and his family all the best in the next chapter of his career.” - New York Red Bulls' Head of Sport Jochen Schneider.

"In John Tolkin, we have been able to sign an experienced player for our left flank despite his age. His qualities and profile fit our requirements perfectly. We are convinced that he will acclimatise quickly with us and integrate himself into the team." - Holstein Kiel's Managing Director of Sport Carsten Wehlmann.

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