GOAL takes a look at the biggest storylines to follow among Americans abroad, led by USMNT stars in Juventus vs AC Milan
AC Milan vs. Juventus is always a massive game. This iteration, at least from an U.S. men's national team perspective, feels even bigger. It will feature an in-form Christian Pulisic, who at times has kept struggling manager Paulo Fonseca in a job this season, square off against Tim Weah and Weston McKennie. Neither side is playing particularly scintillating football, with Milan at seventh and Juventus at sixth, but a strong showing from Milan could see them force themselves back into the race for a Champions League spot.
The isn't the only big story for USMNT players abroad. Tanner Tessmann enjoyed an excellent international break for the USMNT, and is quickly becoming a favorite of Mauricio Pochettino. His minutes at Lyon have been inconsistent, but his strong performances for the U.S. during the international break could provide momentum in his club form and push him into the starting XI soon. It would also seem to be an important week for Brenden Aaronson, who was limited to a brief cameo against Jamaica. He could do with a good run out.
Ricardo Pepi, whose name has cropped up in transfer talk of late, will also look to impress off the bench. The same goes for the likes of Mark McKenzie and Antonee Robinson. It should all make for interesting watching. GOAL US looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
Getty Images SportPulisic, Pulisic and more Pulisic
Pulisic is not a Ballon d'Or contender. But he is, arguably, the best winger in Serie A at the minute. He is, perhaps, the only reason that the oft-maligned Fonseca is still in the job, such is the impact of his big game heroics. That only continued for the USMNT over the most recent international break. Pulisic set up the U.S.'s only goal of the first leg against Jamaica, scored twice in the second, and was instrumental throughout. He is, at this point, playing the best football of his career.
He will need to continue that trend on Saturday. Milan hosts Juventus in what will certainly be an early test of its ability to fight for a Champions League spot. They come into the game six points behind Thiago Motta's side, but with a game in hand. Three points could go a long way towards turning their season around. If that happens, it will be on the back of another Puli masterclass.
AdvertisementGettyCan Weston McKennie and Tim Weah spoil the party?
And on the other side lies a far more organized Juventus unit, but one that struggles on attack. Motta hasn't really gotten a tune out of his side going forward, but the are fiercely disciplined, and haven't lost yet (although they do have six draws.) Their seven goals conceded is the best in the league, and while they possess plenty of attacking talent, this isn't quite a fluid thing yet.
Ironically, though, two Americans have brought some of the sorely lacking attacking thrust. McKennie is up to his usual tricks in central midfield, putting out fires everywhere while also providing some quality in the final third – something he has proven with a couple of timely assists. Weah, too, has popped with four important Serie A goals. Juve are looking for difference makers in attack. The two Americans might just be able to step up.
GettyBrenden Aaronson to find form?
Aaronson was largely unfortunate to go down with the flu just before the first leg of the Nations League tie. And although he recovered in time to play a part in the return fixture, the attacking midfielder really could have done with using the opportunity to impress the manager. He did, admittedly, offer some interesting attacking ideas off the bench in St. Louis. But a full start might have been far more valuable.
READ MORE: Aaronson: "I'm not just a runner"
Still, he seems to have recovered enough to play. And for Leeds, he could be vital once again. Manager Daniel Farke heaped praised on Aaronson in a recent press conference, hailing the American's resilience to fight for his spot in the side after an unsuccessful Union Berlin loan last year. And deservedly so. Leeds are in third, two points back of first place, and well in contention for automatic promotion. A good showing against mid-table Swansea this weekend, and friendly results elsewhere, could see them go top.
GettyWhat to do about Ricardo Pepi?
Something has to be made clear here: Pepi, in all likelihood, is unlikely to be a Liverpool player – despite recent rumors. If he cannot get into the PSV side after playing the best football of his career, a Premier League move would seem unlikely. What he has shown, in recent weeks, though, is that he can really be an impact striker. With six goals in just over 400 minutes for PSV, and two more for the USMNT this break, Pepi has silenced some doubters here.
Luuk de Jong, a stalwart in PSV's front line, suddenly sees his spot under threat. All Pepi has to do is keep scoring – which hasn't been a problem in recent weeks. Another clinical performance, whether starting or off the bench, would do a long way to giving PSV manager Peter Bosz an excellent problem to have.