New York Cosmos B captain John Neeskens has been called up to the first team. The 21-year-old central defender joins the top squad after a championship-winning year with the reserves.

“John was a leader on and off the field for Cosmos B in the team’s first season,” said Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese. “His consistent play at the back and positive energy earned him an opportunity to train and play with the first team.”

Neeskens came to the club this past April as one of the first players to join Cosmos B in its inaugural season. He captained the team to an undefeated regular season and a 3-2 win over Chattanooga FC in the National Premier Soccer League Championship on August 8.

“Everyone has received me well at the Cosmos,” said Neeskens. “The coaches, the technical staff and the players. It’s like a family. I’m excited for this opportunity with the first team.”

Before arriving in New York, Neeskens spent a season playing with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Born in the United States and raised in Barcelona, he trained in the world-renown youth academies of Barcelona and Villarreal.

Neeskens will wear No. 26 with the first team.