GOAL US takes a look at some of the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, with Pulisic, Wright looking to impress
Christian Pulisic is among the best players in world soccer at the moment. This is something we already knew. The USMNT winger is doing it all for Milan, and delivering on the kind of quality that was always there. He is, in truth, must-watch every week – whether you're a U.S. loyalist or not.
But he's not the only American in Europe worth keeping an eye on over the next few days. With U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino likely set to announce his squad for the upcoming Nations League quarterfinal clash against Jamaica this weekend, there will be a number of big names looking to find their best ahead of the camp. Malik Tillman, in and out of form for PSV, will hope to tap into what he showed against Girona midweek. Haji Wright, meanwhile, faces immense scrutiny with Coventry City bringing in a new manager. And, as ever, the Weston McKennie-Tim Weah duo find themselves in an uncertain situation at Juventus.
It should make for an interesting weekend of action. With serious questions to be asked as to who Pochettino could select in his starting XI, there is room here for a late push. GOAL US breaks it all down with a look ahead at some of the biggest storylines with Americans Abroad this weekend.
Getty Images SportPulisic looks to build on Madrid masterclass
AC Milan really weren't supposed to win at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League last week—no one is, for that matter. But Pulisic was instrumental in making it all happen. The American was here, there and everywhere again, popping up in all sorts of spaces, finding the cute angles, and keeping the play ticking. And then there was assist as he set up the opening goal from a corner. But it was the bits in between that truly impressed. This weekend's opposition is weaker, and he will have another chance to strut his stuff.
Milan play Cagliari away on Saturday. They certainly aren't Madrid, but will present an interesting problem for Milan manager Paulo Fonseca. The former Lille boss has rather tinkered with his side this season, and hasn't seemed to have figured out how to best configure everyone in attack. Not that all of that seems to matter to Pulisic, though, who has seven goals and four assists so far. There was scattered talk that Fonseca could be out of the door a few weeks ago. That pressure could mount again, but so far, Pulisic continues to be the guy who is stopping it from happening.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportWright looks to impress a new manager
There was a mixed reaction to Coventry sacking manager Mark Robins. The head coach had been at the helm for eight years, gotten the promoted twice, and overseen a memorable FA Cup semifinal run last year. This isn't usually a guy you let go of. But results are results, and Coventry are 17th – a stark contrast from their promotion hopes that crumbled at the final hurdle last season as they finished ninth.
For USMNT forward Wright, the implications could be pretty significant. Robins gave Wright a chance at Coventry, and made him a mainstay in attack. It is his faith that catapulted Wright into the U.S. picture. Barring a hefty surprise, he will be in the USMNT setup for the Nations League quarterfinal tie against Jamaica.
He was given a chance by the old gaffer. It's now time to impress the new one, when the manager is hired, an effort that will begin with a trip to high flying Sunderland tomorrow.
AFPTillman back to his best?
Tillman was out of form for all of three weeks. There was miniature panic among USMNT circles that the former Bayern Munich man was being misused as PSV manager Peter Bosz moved him into a deeper midfield role. Suddenly, the goalscoring attacking midfielder/winger hybrid wasn't in the areas that made him so good. Panic buttons were collectively smashed.
So much for that. PSV battered struggling Girona, 4-0, in the Champions League midweek. And although Tillman nominally started the game as a No. 8, he had no trouble getting into advanced areas. He scored once, assisted twice, and created six chances – running the game in the final third. That position might just suit him, with the right approach. And it's something he will have the opportunity to show again as PSV take on NAC Breda this weekend. The mid-table side have lost two straight and would seem to be an admittedly comfortable opponent for Tillman's side. It will be interesting to see how he fares in a deeper role again. Another good performance there might give Pochettino something to think about when he pieces together his USMNT XI.
GettyJuventus looks to stop slide
Thiago Motta's first season as Juventus manager hasn't quite gone to plan. At times, Juve have looked a fine attacking force, capable of giving anyone a game. At others, they have been rather tepid. Their seven goals conceded is the best in Serie A, and they are yet to lose in the league, but their goalscoring numbers have been middling at best. Weah and McKennie really can't be blamed for that. The duo have provided some of the more expansive moments of the season for the , chipping in with goals and assists when given the chance.
But there lies the problem: the duo haven't ever really enjoyed consistent runs in the side. Both were benched in a 1-1 draw with Lille midweek, and Weah hasn't played a full 90 this campaign. The Turin derby, against Torino this weekend, will perhaps be indicative of where the duo stand. Juve will be narrow favorites, especially at home. But Motta might need his American boys to pull out a win – and move back into the top four in the Serie A table.