AFTER A BREAKOUT SEASON that saw him score 26 goals in all competitions, United States national team forward Aron Johannsson has signed a new contract with AZ Alkmaar which will run through the 2017/2018 season.

Johannsson, 23, scored 17 goals in Eredivisie action along with six in the Dutch cup, two in the Europa League, and one in the Dutch Super cup for an impressive first full season in the Eredivisie. He was the league’s third leading scorer and he helped AZ to an eighth place finish.

Next year promises to be a an exciting time for the Alabama-born, Iceland-raised Johannsson as AZ Alkmaar have hired Marco Van Basten as coach. The former Dutch international enjoyed a storied playing career for Ajax and AC Milan and has since been the head coach of the Netherland’s national team, Ajax, and most recently Heerenveen.

Johannsson began his professional career with Icelandic club Fjolnir in 2009 and moved to AGF Aarhus in 2010. Following a sparkling run in 2012, he moved to AZ Alkmaar at the start of 2013. So far he has scored 65 goals at the professional level as well as two for the U.S. national team.

Johannsson is currently with the U.S. national team as it prepares for the World Cup. In the team’s first tune-up match against Azerbaijan, Johannsson came on as a second-half substitute and scored in the 81st minute en route to a 2-0 victory.

Do you like Johannsson's decision to stay at Alkmaar and not go to, say, Sunderland? Tell us your thoughts below.