When you hear kids (and adults alike) talking about soccer players it’s usually in reference to the big Brazilian and European phenoms such as Vini Jr., Bellingham, Haaland, just to name a few. But quite a few American players are taking Europe by storm which we should be taking note of.
Let’s Get into It!
Premier League
Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) The young defender has become a regular starter for Crystal Palace. Originally from Birmingham, AL, he can play either as a center-back or defensive midfielder . Go Chris!
Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest) The goalkeeper is on loan from Crystal Palace. In 2021, Matt Turner was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year after leading the New England Revolution to the MLS Supporters Shield. He is the first goalie in New England’s history to win the award. He is from Park Ridge, NJ.
Serie A
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) You can’t really talk about Serie A and not talk about Christian. What a season he’s having! After moving to Milan last year, Pulisic has become a key player for the resurgent Italian giants. And if you saw his performance last week in the Champions League against Real Madrid, – well IYKYK.
Yunus Musah (AC Milan) The native New Yorker (midfielder) has been putting in strong performances for Milan alongside Pulisic. He is known for his strength, movement on the pitch, and technical ability. At just 21, we can expect a bright future ahead of him.
Weston McKennie (Juventus) Originally from Fort Lewis, WA he is referred to as positionally versatile meaning, he can play as a box-to-box midfielder, deep-lying midfielder, or a wingback. He is fun to watch IMO.
Bundesliga
Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) Plays fullback. From Lake Grove, NY he played for NYC FC. One to watch.
Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg) The 21-year-old from Riding, VA was named US Soccer’s Young Male Player of the Year for 2023. The midfielder is seen as a rising star (and a potential breakout player this season) by analysts and commentators.
La Liga
Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis) – The 23-year-old from Denville, NJ is a midfielder who has adapted quickly after moving to Betis last season. He has quickly become an integral part of their midfield.
This is by no means a full list and I will regularly post about American players in Europe. I will need to do a series on our Female players as well. For now, I wanted to highlight some of the US/MLS talent that has gone on to play amongst the giants and are holding their own.