GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including a crucial matchweek for McKennie and Juve
The last couple of weeks have been mixed for Americans abroad. The stars – Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie – have struggled for form and fitness, failing to hit the highs they had shown at various points this season. Elsewhere there have been some really strong performances, with Tyler Adams quietly piecing together one of his best campaigns under the excellent Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, and Tim Weah stepping up.
But this weekend brings an undoubted sense of turbulence.
Pulisic has a knock, and is unlikely to play all 90 minutes for AC Milan as they struggle to claw their way back into the Champions League picture in Italy. McKennie and Tim Weah are set to feature for Juventus in a game in which they surely can't piece together another drab draw. And Gio Reyna has another new manager, and a clean bill of health – will that lead to anything?
Perhaps the most stable player is Adams, who will once again be in the engine room for the Cherries as they hope to continue their undefeated run. But it's not just those four in the picture. The likes of Ricardo Pepi, Brenden Aaronson, Josh Sargent and Chris Richards will also be in action for their respective clubs.
GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.
AFPPulisic hopes to get back on track
Pulisic did show up after all. New Milan manager Sergio Conceicao warned midweek that Pulisic was carrying a knock, and would be unlikely to play for the Italian side in the Champions League against Girona.
That was all quashed with a lively cameo off the bench. Pulisic, it seems, has shaken off any serious injury fears. Zoom out, and the American's season has rather stalled of late. Yes, he was instrumental in the Supercoppa Italia final, but a calf strain followed by another muscle issue last weekend has seen him struggle to hit the high expectations he set early in the campaign.
This has been the unfortunate story of his career so far. Pulisic is quite clearly an excellent footballer, but due to injury and, frankly, managerial circumstance, has never quite pieced together a truly elite season.
It is perhaps for that reason that his new boss is being so cautious. Pulisic will have his legs checked again Sunday, when Milan take on Parma. Whether he starts or not remains to be seen. Performances have improved under Conceicao, and the Girona win will prove a big boost.
But the Serie A results need to come soon. Milan are eight points off fourth place with a game in hand. But they haven't capitalized against supposed smaller teams often enough. That will need to start – and soon.
AdvertisementAFPBiggest game of the season for Weah, McKennie
How many times have we said this: Juventus really need to stop drawing games?
It's getting funny at this point that the are still undefeated in Serie A. In any other year, it would be a remarkable achievement. This time, though, it's sort of sad – speaking more to their attacking deficiencies than all-round quality – 13 draws is really too many for one season.
Juventus-Napoli is always a big game. The two cities may be at opposite ends of the country, but the footballing tension is significant. Napoli have improved this season after enduring a tough 2023-24 campaign. Juve, for their part, have stagnated.
Exactly what role Weston McKennie and Tim Weah will play is unclear (such has been the case this season). McKennie was used at full-back against Milan, but has also been entrusted as a centre midfielder against bigger teams. Weah seems set for a bench role, especially with Randal Kolo Muani coming in on loan. Either way, they will be hoping to affect play.
Getty Images SportAdams to lead the Premier League disruptors
Last week was supposed to be when the wheels fell off for Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth. A depleted squad. An in-form Newcastle. St. James' Park. Say goodbye to the undefeated streak.
Except, that's not what happened. Instead, Bournemouth battered the Magpies. And quietly, Adams played an instrumental role. Newcastle's midfield has been among the best in the Premier League of late: all power, energy and gusto. But Adams helped nullify it, his diligent pressing closing spaces, choking the trio and helping Bournemouth hit in transition.
Saturday should be even more of a test. Nuno Espirito Santo has Nottingham Forest flying high, third in the Premier League, and playing the kind of retro football that purists have fallen in love with. Their midfield is even scrappier, and will require another good performance out of Adams – who has been immensely impressive of late.
AFPGio Reyna and an interim manager?
And so the cycle begins again. Gio Reyna plays well, gets injured, finds form, scores a couple of goals, then something seismic happens. It's like clockwork. Just as Reyna has started to play again, Nuri Sahin was unceremoniously shown the exit door by Dortmund. Sahin was never a convincing hire, and the football has been mediocre at best. They have lost four in a row, and a change of direction was pretty much the only option.
New manager Mike Tullberg has promised that there will be chances for everyone to impress. He has pointed out that his "players have not forgotten how to play football." It would seem to be a good time for Reyna to show that – whether he has a long-term future at the club or not.