International athletes are resuming their activities, with imports from New York and Christian Pulisic’s language proficiency contributing to the inaugural USMNT Player Tracker for the new European season.
Every week, we will provide updates on USMNT players competing in numerous leagues across Europe. With a World Cup approaching on home ground, we’re attentively monitoring their performances each weekend.
Weekend Highlights
Pulisic finding the net, Antonee Robinson providing assistance, Gio Reyna sitting on the bench, and Weston McKennie experiencing a resurgence in his Juventus career — it’s a new season, but many of the USMNT’s key players in Europe have made a familiar debut.
We will discuss the rest later, but let’s begin in Turin, where McKennie has once again found himself in a déjà vu situation, standing firm successfully.
As in the previous summer, the atmosphere around Juve during July and early August indicated that the Texan was deemed excess at the Allianz Stadium, with new manager Thiago Motta attempting to reshape his midfield by bringing in new players.
New additions include Brazilian international Douglas Luiz and the highly-rated French talent Khephren Thuram. Despite interest from Aston Villa and other MLS clubs, McKennie appears determined to remain at Juventus.
His contract was set to expire next summer, providing McKennie with leverage since he could pick the best opportunity for himself or potentially remain and negotiate a pre-contract with a different team as a free agent. If he leaves when his contract in Turin ends, Juventus will not receive a transfer fee.
McKennie in training at Juventus (Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty Images)
Similar to last summer when he was omitted from the club’s summer tour in the United States, he remained composed and focused, earning a contract extension. His current contract extends until 2026.
While there wasn’t an exciting interview with either McKennie or the manager upon the announcement of his extension, Motta had already hinted at a change in his perspective, albeit in mild terms, before Juventus’ first Serie A match against Como last Monday.
“To start, McKennie is a valuable and functional player for our requirements,” Motta remarked during a press conference.
Although McKennie was an unused substitute in that match, he will be hoping for some playing time in the team’s second game against Verona tonight, especially with injury concerns surrounding his fellow countryman Timothy Weah and Thuram.
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Player of the Weekend
The well-worn path from Major League Soccer to European leagues remains highly sought after. This time, it’s New York Red Bulls midfielder Bento Estrela who is on the verge of joining Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
The 18-year-old, who has played for the U.S. at under-17 level but is also eligible to represent Portugal, is anticipated to finalize his transfer to the reigning Primeira Liga champions on Monday.
Estrela turned professional with the Red Bulls in 2021 at the age of 14 years and 364 days, making him the fourth-youngest signing in MLS history, following Freddy Adu, Emmanuel Ochoa, and Gabriel Slonina.
Although he has yet to make his senior debut for Sandro Schwarz’s team, he is considered a promising talent, and the New York club has included a sell-on clause in his contract.
It will be fascinating to observe how Ruben Amorim, recognized as one of the most talented young managers in Europe, can influence the next stage of Estrela’s career.
Quote of the Weekend
Yunus Musah has praised his teammate, Christian Pulisic, for his rapidly improving language skills in Milan.
<p“He is actually speaking it a lot lately,” Musah remarked about the forward. “Even though they may speak to him in English, he responds in Italian. He has learned a great deal, and the coaches have begun to communicate with him in Italian.
“Despite spending considerable time in America, he clearly hasn’t lost touch with the language. Now I am not even translating anything for him. Nothing.”
It’s evident that Pulisic has had a great teacher; Musah is fluent in both Spanish and Italian.
Graphic of the week
Aidan Morris has rapidly progressed from his remarkable debut in MLS Cup 2020 to clinching a heartfelt second championship in 2023, achieving a plethora of milestones with his childhood club, Columbus, by the time he turned 22. His summer transfer to Middlesbrough stands as a fitting recognition of his impressive growth and skillful midfield performances.
This progress is evident in his first three Championship appearances, where he has played a crucial role in Boro’s foundation, registering four shots and creating an equal number of chances across 239 minutes of play.
Interestingly, his most advanced position was noted during his sole away match thus far, resulting in a 1-0 loss against Derby County.
He could not have hoped for a better mentor than manager Michael Carrick, as the U.S. international aims to lead his new team back to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
Jeff Rueter
How did other U.S. players get on?
Name: Christian Pulisic
Club: AC Milan
Position: Midfielder
Despite his goal in Milan’s unexpected 2-1 defeat to Parma on opening day potentially going to waste, the close-range strike secured the USMNT star a notable spot in the record books.
Pulisic has
Now, he has scored in ten different seasons across Europe’s top five leagues, making him the first American player to net at least one goal in each of those seasons.
Name: Gio Reyna
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Position: Midfield
Following his unsuccessful attempt to revive his career in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest last season, Reyna has returned to Dortmund. Despite the German team having a new manager, Nuri Sahin, Reyna’s first game this season followed a familiar pattern.
He entered the match as a substitute in the 81st minute but was eclipsed by another young talent, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who scored twice to contribute to a victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Name: Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi
Club: PSV
Position: Midfielder/Striker
In keeping with this week’s theme of repetition, the pair found the net again, scoring one goal each as defending champions PSV began the season in the sort of form that led them to a nearly unbeaten campaign last year.
They thrashed Almere City 7-1, with Tillman, who was a starter, delivering an outstanding performance throughout the match. Pepi, often found on the bench last season, made his impact felt during a brief appearance in the second half.
Name: Chris Richards
Club: Crystal Palace
Position: Centre-back
After Crystal Palace suffered losses in their opening two matches against London rivals, Richards addressed the media. He may find reason for optimism regarding his chances for playing time this season, especially since Palace has sold Joachim Andersen to Fulham and Marc Guehi could be leaving before the transfer window closes, given Newcastle’s ongoing interest.
Richards chases Mohammed Kudus as Palace suffers defeat against West Ham (Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images)
Name: Brenden Aaronson
Club: Leeds United
Position: Midfielder
The 23-year-old player netted a goal in Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday, bringing his tally to two goals in the first three matches of the EFL Championship season for the West Yorkshire club.
What’s on the horizon?
A number of USMNT players based in England are set to participate in the Carabao Cup this week. The highlight matchup features Josh Sargent and Norwich facing off against Richards’ Crystal Palace on Tuesday at 3 p.m. ET. On the same day, Robinson and Fulham will visit NFL legend Tom Brady’s Birmingham City, currently in League One (also at 3 p.m., CBS Sports Network).
This Thursday, Real Betis, featuring USMNT midfielder Johnny Cardoso, will engage in Europa Conference League qualifying against the Ukrainian team FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih at 3 p.m. on ESPN+.
Lastly, Pulisic and Musah will look to assist AC Milan in regaining their winning form in Serie A on Saturday when they take on Lazio at 2:45 p.m. on Paramount +.
(Top photos: Getty Images)
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USMNT Player Tracker: Weekend Highlights from Europe as Pulisic Shines and McKennie Stays Strong
USMNT Stars in Europe: A Weekend Recap
This past weekend saw several US Men’s National Team (USMNT) players showcasing their talent across European leagues. With standout performances from Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, fans have plenty to celebrate. Let’s dive into the highlights and performances that caught our attention!
Christian Pulisic: A Star Performance
Christian Pulisic continues to establish himself as a key player for AC Milan in Serie A. This weekend, he delivered an impressive performance that not only showcased his individual skill but also contributed to his team’s success.
Match Highlights
In the recent match against Fiorentina, Pulisic scored a stunning goal and provided an assist, leading AC Milan to a 3-1 victory. His ability to create opportunities and finish under pressure was a testament to his growing confidence in Italy. Here are the key stats from his performance:
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
- Shots on Target: 3
- Pass Completion Rate: 85%
Impact on the Team
Pulisic’s performance has not only boosted his confidence but also solidified his role as a vital player for AC Milan. His ability to influence the game is crucial as the club aims for a strong position in the league and European competitions.
Weston McKennie: Continues to Impress
Weston McKennie has been a consistent performer for Juventus, and this weekend was no exception. He played a pivotal role in the midfield, helping Juventus secure a crucial 2-0 win against AS Roma.
Match Highlights
McKennie’s defensive contributions and ability to transition play were instrumental in controlling the pace of the game. Here’s a breakdown of his performance:
- Tackles Made: 5
- Interceptions: 3
- Pass Completion Rate: 87%
- Key Passes: 2
Role in Juventus’ Strategy
As Juventus continues to strive for success in Serie A, McKennie’s physical presence and tactical awareness make him an essential part of their strategy. His ability to win the ball and initiate attacks is vital for the team as they aim for higher league standings.
Other Notable USMNT Performances
Brenden Aaronson: A Key Player for Leeds United
Brenden Aaronson has been making waves in the Championship with Leeds United. This weekend, he displayed his playmaking abilities in a thrilling match against Wigan Athletic, contributing to a 4-2 win. Here are some highlights:
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 2
- Dribbles Completed: 5
Gio Reyna: A Rising Star with Borussia Dortmund
Gio Reyna’s performance for Borussia Dortmund was another highlight. Although the team faced a tough opponent in Bayern Munich, Reyna’s skillful play and creativity in the midfield were evident. Key stats include:
- Shots on Target: 2
- Pass Completion Rate: 82%
- Successful Dribbles: 4
Benefits of Following USMNT Players in Europe
Staying updated on USMNT players in European leagues provides various benefits:
- Understanding Player Development: Observing how players adapt to different styles of football can illustrate their growth.
- Enhancing Fan Engagement: Following players enhances the excitement and connection to the national team.
- Scouting Future Stars: Keeping an eye on emerging talents helps fans and coaches alike in recognizing future contributors to the USMNT.
Practical Tips for Watching USMNT Players
If you’re eager to keep track of USMNT players in Europe, here are some practical tips:
- Subscribe to Sports Channels: Channels that air European leagues can provide live coverage and highlights.
- Follow Social Media: Players often share behind-the-scenes content, match highlights, and personal updates on platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
- Join Fan Communities: Engaging in forums and social media groups dedicated to USMNT can enhance your experience.
Player Tracker Table
| Player | Club | Position | Latest Match Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | AC Milan | Forward | 1 Goal, 1 Assist vs Fiorentina |
| Weston McKennie | Juventus | Midfielder | 5 Tackles, 2 Key Passes vs AS Roma |
| Brenden Aaronson | Leeds United | Midfielder | 1 Goal, 2 Assists vs Wigan Athletic |
| Gio Reyna | Borussia Dortmund | Midfielder | 2 Shots on Target vs Bayern Munich |
Case Studies of Success
Analyzing the journeys of Pulisic and McKennie can provide insight into the pathways for other young American players.
Christian Pulisic: From MLS to Europe
Pulisic’s transition from the MLS to Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, and now AC Milan, showcases determination and skill. His early experiences laid the foundation for his current success in a top European league.
Weston McKennie: Rising Through the Ranks
McKennie’s journey from FC Dallas to Schalke and then Juventus highlights his commitment to developing his game in competitive environments. His versatility and work ethic have made him a regular starter in one of Europe’s most prestigious clubs.
First-Hand Experience: Fans’ Reactions
Fans have been vocal about their excitement regarding the performances of USMNT players. Social media platforms are filled with reactions and analyses, showcasing the growing support for American soccer talent in Europe. Here are some common sentiments:
- Excitement for Pulisic: Many fans are ecstatic about his form and how he’s adapting to the Serie A style of play.
- Pride in McKennie: His ability to hold his ground against European powerhouses has garnered respect from fans and analysts alike.
Conclusion
As USMNT players continue to shine in Europe, the excitement around American soccer grows. With Pulisic and McKennie leading the charge, it is an exhilarating time to be a fan of the national team. Keep following these players as they strive for success on the international stage!
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