There are over 50 American soccer players playing in various leagues and teams in Europe. A youth movement and blockbuster moves like Pulisic to Chelsea, McKennie to Juventus, and Dest to Barcelona has USMNT fans thinking this is the best player pool ever.
It’s hard not to argue that the U.S. has talent in every position, and this will make Gregg Berhalter’s job a bit easier knowing his top talents are playing meaningful minutes in these competitive leagues. Players like Duane Holmes and Julian Green may be in the second divisions, but can also be used as good role players when called upon.
Fielding a starting 11 is always hard, especially when you have options in each position. Some players will be left out, but there are 11 key players in Europe the USMNT hope continueto develop and lead the team back to the 2022 World Cup.
USMNT European Starting 11
Goalkeeper – Zack Steffen – Manchester City
Zack Steffen at Manchester City. (Getty)
While Zack Steffen is not starting at Manchester City, he has already played in a cup game and the day in and day out training for a top club make it hard to argue there is another goalkeeper ahead of him in the pool.
Right Back – Reggie Cannon – Boavista
Reggie Cannon recently signed with Boavista in Portugal. (Getty)
Reggie Cannon was already one of the best right-backs in MLS when he was sold to Boavista in Portugal, since his arrival, he has started every game and will be one of the main options for the U.S. Defense.
Defender – John Brooks – Wolfsburg
John Brooks at Wolfsburg. (Getty)
Brooks has been in the Bundesliga since the start of his career, the 2014 World Cup hero is entering the prime of his career. He has been a bit inconsistent when playing for the U.S. buthis performances in league play have been very good.
Defender – Chris Richards – Bayern Munich
Chris Richards is a young prospect at Bayern. (Getty)
Chris Richards has yet to claim a place in the Bayern first team, but coach Hans-Dieter Flick has praised him and has inserted him in some games. If he can continue to develop, he will challenge for a starting spot.
Left Back – Sergiño Dest – Barcelona
Sergiño Dest playing at Ajax. (Getty)
Sergiño Dest has had a rollercoaster ride to the top of European soccer. In oneyear he started playing for Ajax, got his first USMNT cap, and is set for a record move to Barcelona. Dest has shown his talent and is considered one of world soccer’s best young prospects.
Midfielder – Tim Weah – Lille
The son of George Weah, Tim Weah plays for Lille in France. (Getty)
The multipurpose midfielder is coming back from injury and has shown flashes of what he can do at Celtic and PSG. He will need to stay healthy, but Weah has the energy and talent to be a key figure for the USMNT.
Midfielder – Weston McKennie – Juventus
Weston McKennie chatting it up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Juventus. (Getty)
Since his move to Juventus, Weston McKennie has only added to his rising stock. He was one of FC Schalke 04 best players last season and already has received positive marks in Italy. He is one of the new leaders of the U.S. team.
Midfielder – Tyler Adams – R. B. Leipzig
Tyler Adams scores a goal for R. B. Leipzig. (Getty)
Adams is one of the U.S. most consistent European based players, he has grown in each season since his move to Germany. The key is for Adams is to avoid injury, despite some amazing performances his seasons are cut short due to injury.
Midfielder – Christian Pulisic – Chelsea
Christian Pulisic is the USMNT biggest star. (Getty)
The new Landon Donovan, the man who everyone will look too to lead the squad. Pulisic is yet to debut this season, butlast year he was the best player for Chelsea, that can’t be argued. He completely dominated in a game against Liverpool and scored some amazing goals. The hopes of the USMNT rest on Pulisic.
Midfielder – Gio Reyna – Borussia Dortmund
Gio Reyna playing for Borussia Dortmund. (Getty)
Like his father before him, Reyna looks set to be the new USMNT set up man. His quick passing and field vision will look to open up spaces for speedsters Pulisic and Weah. Reyna started his season strong as he looks to break out for Dortmund.
Forward – Josh Sargent – Werder Bremen
Josh Sargent at Werder Bremen. (Getty)
The USMNT weakest position by far is forward. Sargent is young, but he plays on a dreadful Bremen side. With little options besides Sargent, the U.S. will hope that he finally starts scoring for his club. At the national team level, Sargent does have 5 goals in 12 games.
