Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe.
From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues.
C’mon, you yanks!
USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
Pulisic suffered an injury against Atalanta in the Serie A and is expected to be out with an injury until early 2025.
Weston McKennie (Juventus)
McKennie is coming off an extraordinary goal against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League and pursued another big win in the Serie A, but ultimately fell short after their 2-2 draw against Venezia. The American midfielder played the full 90 minutes and completed 80 percent of his passes.
Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
In-form Pepi is one of the most exciting players in the Eredivisie at the moment and the American looked to double-up on his goalscoring tally after coming on as a substitute against Heerenveen. However, the young American's 23 minutes on the pitch were not enough for PSV in their shocking 1-0 loss away from home.
Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
Jedi Robinson has been arguably Fulham’s best player this season, continuing his impressive form on the left flank with the Premier League club by providing his fifth and sixth assist of the season in their 2-2 at Anfield against none other than Liverpool
Watch: Antonee Robinson assists vs. Liverpool
The American whipped in a perfect cross for Andreas Pereira to give his team the early lead.
"What a ball. What a finish. What a moment for Fulham at Anfield."
Peacock | #LIVFUL pic.twitter.com/gZOdLc3sCG— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 14, 2024
In the second half and after a struggling performance against a 10-man Liverpool, the USMNT left-back stepped up once against with a stunning assist for Rodrigo Muniz.
FULHAM STRIKE AGAIN TO TAKE THE LEAD LATE.
ANTONEE ROBINSON WITH AN ABSOLUTELY STUNNING ASSIST.Peacock | #LIVFUL pic.twitter.com/cwzmV3N4nJ
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) December 14, 2024
This performance has sparked debate on whether or not Robinson is one of, if not the best, left-back in the Premier League this season, with the USMNT defender’s transfer to a big club next summer looking more than likely now.
Yunus Musah (AC Milan)
Musah did not see the pitch for AC Milan in their 0-0 home draw against Genoa in the Serie A.
Timothy Weah (Juventus)
Like McKennie, Weah was eager to continue his recent good form with the Serie A club, starting the match but not having the best performance we've seen from him this season. The USMNT forward was placed on the right flank and had no shots at goal or key passes, coming off in the 65th minute for Francisco Conceição.
Johnny (Real Betis)
Johnny Cardoso played a big part in Betis' huge 2-1 win against sixth-placed Villareal, playing 90 minutes and completing 90 percent of his passes.
Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund)
Reyna had a surprising start and performance for Dortmund against FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League and took advantage of another start but this time in the Bundesliga, starting and scoring against Hoffenheim at the Signal Iduna Park.
Watch: Gio Reyna goal vs. Hoffenheim
The young American found a rebound at the edge of the 18-yard box and hit an absolute banger to bag his first goal in his first league start in 14 months.
I knew something big was coming in the 2nd half! Gio Reyna with a GOLAZO!! Top corner baby!! Dortmund up 1-0 with goal. Love to see it. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/YNrqKsjFjl
— The Bolivian Yank (@TheBolivianYank) December 15, 2024
This goal comes just days after Landon Donovan had comments on Reyna go viral, with the U.S. men's national team saying the 22-year-old should look for a move to MLS amidst injuries and lack of playing time.
Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)
Tillman was one of PSV's best players in their upset 1-0 loss, with the American constantly being dangerous on the left flank and getting a chance at goal four times (one on target) while completing 80 percent of his passes.
Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth)
The USMNT captain is slowly returning to his old form, now on his way to completely get passed his injury and back surgery following the 2024 Copa América. Bournemouth will host West Ham in the Premier League on Monday, Dec. 16 at
Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco)
Starting USMNT striker Balogun is taking hit after hit with injuries, with reports now indicating that the former Arsenal forward is set to undergo shoulder surgery — keeping him away from the pitch until 2025.
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
Aaronson and Leeds had some trouble in their visit to Preston in the English Championship this weekend, with the American’s club losing the first-placed spot in their 1-1 draw.
Haji Wright (Coventry City)
Wright is not the only USMNT player dealing with injuries this season, with the striker expected to return for Coventry until after Christmas.
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
Richards did not see the pitch for Crystal Palace in their impressive 3-1 away win at Brighton on Sunday, ending the club's home unbreaten streak in the Premier League.
Richard Ledezma (PSV Eindhoven)
Ledezma did not see any action for PSV in the Eredivisie this weekend, with the Mexican-American not even making the bench.
