USA international Josh Sargent is making waves in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, but what does the American teenager get up to when he’s not scaling Mount Soccer Stardom?

"I love to watch NBA," Sargent told Werder’s official club website after signing a new long-term deal with the club. "I played basketball as a kid, I really like the sport. I find the American league really entertaining."

Rumour has it Sargent could have pursued a career in basketball, before focusing his energy on soccer. And what a masterstroke that proved to be. After signing his first pro deal with Werder upon turning 18 in February of last year, Sargent went on to plunder seven goals in 12 appearances for the U23s team. Then, having already scored on his debut for the USMNT, came his big Bundesliga break.

"My Bremen debut was really special," Sargent recalled of the moment he not only breathed Bundesliga air for the first time but scored, too. "My head was all over the place after the game. It was crazy, but it was such a good feeling looking back."

Watch: Josh Sargent started his Bundesliga adventure with a bang

'I like LeBron James a lot'

Since scoring two minutes into his first-team debut in Bremen’s 3-1 win over Fortuna Düsseldorf on 7 December 2018, Sargent has featured a further seven times in the Bundesliga. The six-time USA international struck again on his third outing, against RB Leipzig, and made his first start in the recent 1-1 draw with VfB Stuttgart. He’s had to adapt, but his new contract is testament to the hard work he is putting in on a daily basis - at least on the football pitch.

"I’m too lazy too cook, that’s why I often go to Vapiano in town," Sargent said of his favourite Italian haunt in the Bremen city centre. "A lot of other young players go there - some are there permanently (laughs). The pasta dishes don’t take long to prepare and are pretty healthy. It’s a comfortable place to go and eat."

Sargent - like any athlete worth his salt - knows all about the importance of good lifestyle choices. His father Jeff and his mother Liane lived, breathed and played soccer, while he grew up idolising NBA legend LeBron James - considered by many to be the greatest baller of all time.

"He dominated his sport and really took care of his body," Sargent said of James. "Away from the court, he’s a good guy with strong values. I like him a lot."

In another life, Josh Sargent (r.) might have been shooting hoops with LeBron James, rather than kicking a ball with Christian Pulisic (l.). - 2018 Getty Images

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'I switched shirts with Christian Pulisic and Bobby Wood'

Despite his admiration for James, as well as former England striker Wayne Rooney - whom he counts as his "biggest soccer idol" - Sargent does not consider himself to be a "fanboy". The tradition of shirt-swapping after matches, for one, is a phenomenon he is still getting his head around.

"I don’t feel the urge to run across the pitch and get someone’s jersey," he explained. "I don’t know why - I’m not saying it’s wrong to do it. I know it’s common practice in European and international football. I switched once with with my national teammates Christian Pulisic and Bobby Wood, but I’m not sure it’s an everyday thing in the MLS."

While Sargent doesn't have any plans to start a personal collection of player memorabilia, it won't be long until the 19-year-old American is inundated with requests for his own gear. Bremen’s breakout star is on a one-way ticket to the top.

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