University of Virginia recruit Jonathan Villanueva has begun a trial with Young Ajax, the Eredivisie giants' second side.

The Dallas native, who was spotted by Amsterdam scouts while on US Under-18 National Team duty at the Lisbon Tournament in Portugal last month, will be getting a look from Young Ajax boss Aron Winter until Sunday.

Villanueva arrived at De Toekomst on Monday, but did not see his first scrimmage action until Tuesday due to jet lag.

The teen playmaker showed some good touches during his first run-out, and narrowly missed the net with a pair of long range efforts.

Villanueva, named as the top high school midfielder for the 2005/06 season by Parade magazine, is already enjoying his time at the vaunted youth academy.

"I love the atmosphere here," he told YA. "Amsterdam is a great city and Ajax is a great team."

"I always wanted to turn professional in Europe, and to be given an opportunity with this team is really incredible."

Winter admitted that he was intrigued by the Yank midfielder, but, in true Ajax style, refused to reveal too much too soon.

"He has some qualities and is left-footed," said Winter, a former Ajax and Inter Milan star. "He definitely has something, but it is too soon to tell if he fits in here yet."

Villanueva, often lauded for his cool demeanor and nose for goal, was rated as the top college recruit of the season by School Sports magazine.

He also won United States Youth Soccer Association national titles in 2003 and 2005 with his club team, the Dallas Texans.

Villanueva scored against Sweden at the Lisbon Tournament, and has four goals in his last eight international games, including a double against the Real Madrid juniors in early June.

Young Ajax players are often called into the senior side when needed due to injuries, suspensions or international absences, with six making at least one Eredivisie appearance last term.

Should Villanueva join up with Ajax, he could become the third American to play for the four-time European champions.

Current US star John O'Brien spent 10 years in Amsterdam and Eddy Hamel was a star right winger for FC Godenzonen from 1922 until 1930.