GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with a focus on Serie A, the Premier League and Eredivisie
A big midweek gives way to an even bigger weekend. That's pretty much the pattern of things these days for Americans in Europe. We are at the point where USMNT stars are playing three games a week, featuring in domestic leagues, cups and the Champions League. There is, indeed, very little time for reflection.
But right now, that may be a good thing. Christian Pulisic may be out for a month due to a pesky calf injury, but the other big names are all in fine form. Antonee Robinson has been the best left back in the Premier League this season by some distance. Weston McKennie is proving – and re-proving – himself at Juventus. Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi continues to show that he is a level above the Eredivisie – each game a terrific audition for a Bundesliga or perhaps Premier League club.
And, as always, they will all be in action again this weekend. None of the individual games feel seismic. Fulham will be serious underdogs against Liverpool, while PSV will be looking to continue their Eredivisie dominance when they travel to face SC Heerenveen. But they all count, and talking points will certainly be revealed here.
GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
Getty Images SportAntonee Robinson's biggest game of the year
On form, is Mo Salah the best player in the world? If not, it's certainly close. The Egyptian has been on a tear for Liverpool this season, with 13 goals in 14 matches, and is pacing the Reds' unlikely title challenge. No full-back has been able to contain him through the first four months of the campaign.
And so we arrive at Antonee Robinson on Saturday. The American is enjoying a career year so far, turning in a number of impressive performances at both ends of the pitch, and catching the eye with his industry on the left. He has worn the captain's armband for Fulham recently, and it has been every bit deserved.
And now it gets real. Robinson equipped himself admirably against Bukayo Saka last week, and will have to do the same against Salah on Saturday. This really won't be an easy task. Salah pulls defenders left and right. he drops deep, goes to the byline, cuts inside, and still has a deadly turn of pace.
But if Robinson stops him – or at least slows him down – then Fulham might just fancy themselves against the title faves. Doesn't hurt that Robinson continues to be linked with the Reds with January quickly approaching.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWeston McKennie to earn spot, again?
The Christian Pulisic documentary, Pulisic, offered some interesting insights as to the challenges of being an American soccer player in Europe. But perhaps the most revealing was McKennie's confession that he feels he has to constantly prove himself amid rumors that he could be forced out every summer.
And he makes a good point. Every year, it seems that the midfielder is on his way out – only for Juventus to realize they need him. The cycle seems to be repeating once again. When McKennie plays, good things happen. Such was the case midweek, when he scored the winning goal to see off struggling Man City in the Champions League.
It surely has to be enough to earn him a spot in the XI when take on Venezia on Saturday. A fellow American, Gianluca Busio, will be playing in that game.
But McKennie seems well positioned to make headlines – especially if he continues his form. Thiago Motta sang the midfielder's praises on Wednesday. Long may it continue.
AFPRicardo Pepi to carry PSV?
There's a trend developing over in the Netherlands. When Ricardo Pepi plays, PSV win. It's pretty simple, really: pop the No. 9 on the pitch, for an extended period of time, and he tends to do good things with a football. Not rocket science.
Of course, the inverse is true. When Pepi is benched, and club veteran Luuk de Jong gets a look in his place, then PSV aren't quite as good. Such was the case in PSV-Brest on Tuesday. Brest, it must be said, are a good side – and deserve every bit of Champions League success that has come their way to date.
But with Pepi on the pitch, PSV are simply better. And he was afforded just over 15 minutes in that clash – not really enough time. A six-match undefeated streak swiftly ended. Hopefully it will be a lesson learned this weekend. PSV play a middling Heerenveen side in the Eredivisie. Pop Pepi on the pitch and things might go the right way.
Getty Images SportBrenden Aaronson needs consistency
Brenden Aaronson was back. And then he wasn't. It's become a bit of familiar story for the attacking midfielder. For spells, he has been truly excellent. But he also has an unhealthy habit of disappearing – doing lots of little good things without turning in holistically excellent performances. Such is the curse of his position – No. 10s don't really get any credit unless they're spectacular.
Still, this is a Leeds side competing promotion, and there are very few – if any – excuses to be found. Aaronson seems to be in one of his good periods at the moment. He scored a 92nd-minute goal to ice a 3-1 win over Middlesbrough on Tuesday, and was impressive throughout the contest. That win lifted Leeds to second in the table.
And another big performance on Saturday could be crucial. They have the early kickoff against Preston, and a win will take them top of the table – if only momentarily (current leaders Sheffield play just three hours later.)
Still, it could be a pressure-building result for Leeds, who are still searching, like Aaronson, required to push them into the elite.