This past weekend in Europe was like every weekend. Americans continued to step up and make impressions all around the continent. From Germany to Austria, there were several notable performances from guys looking to get into the United States men’s national team or by ones looking to solidify their spots with the team.
While Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen remained out, Chris Richards, Joe Scally and Brenden Aaronson really stepped up.
Here’s a look at their performances from this past weekend:
Chris Richards, Hoffenheim
- Played 90 minutes in 0-0 draw with Arminia Bielefeld
- 77 touches and a 79 percent pass completion
- Team-high seven clearances
- Won 69.2 percent of duels
- Won 100 percent of attempted tackles
Richards continues to make a case to be a starting center back for the USMNT, perhaps next to Miles Robinson after the recent struggles of John Brooks. He was far and away the team’s best defender over the weekend when Hoffenheim kept a clean sheet while drawing against Arminia Bielefeld. He won most of his duels, didn’t miss on a tackle, and he continues to look composed in passing with both feet. The move to Hoffenheim on loan again could do wonders for his development, and he looks stronger than ever. He’s one to watch and a guy USMNT fans want to see in October.
Joe Scally, Borussia Monchengladbach
- Played 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss to Augsburg
- Fourth most dangerous creator in his side with an xA of 0.10
- Completed 84.6 percent of his passes
- Won 58.3 percent of his duels
- Recovered the ball six times
It was a poor result against Augsburg, but Scally continues to impress. He isn’t the most technical player and won’t blow you away, but he gets forward well. He was creative on the ball, recovered it six times and even had one important challenge where he chased down his marker from behind as he got into the box, saving a potential goal. He continues to do the little things right and make impressions on everyone at the club.
Brenden Aaronson, RB Salzburg
- Started and went the 90 minutes in the 2-0 win over Rapid Wien
- Scored the team’s second goal to cement the win
What more is there to say about this kid? He was the most important player for the USMNT in the September World Cup qualifiers with his two goals, he continues to be a starter at RB Salzburg, and he scored the second goal over the weekend in the victory. He knows how to be at the right spot at the right time.
It’s early in the season, but at what point does RB Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch go to the big boys at the club and say, “Hey, how about we bring Brenden to Germany?”
He seems ready.
