Heading into the weekend, more Americans are getting consistent playing time for squads around the world. Folarin Balogun has ended his goaless drought, but he’ll have some work to do to catch the in form Christian Pulisic. While there may not be the most exciting slate of matches this weekend, here are the Americans to keep an eye on:
Christian Pulisic & Yunus Musah: Milan vs. Lecce
Friday, Sep. 27 (2:45 p.m. ET Paramount+)
While on the one hand, I don’t want to label Christian Pulisic as a must-watch American every week, when he’s in form like this, how can I not? When it’s all said and done, Pulisic could go down as the best American ever to play in Europe as he looks to follow up his best season abroad with an even better one. Scoring in three consecutive matches, Pulisic now has four goals and two assists for Milan in only five matches played. Facing Lecce, he can keep it going as Milan looks to string together three consecutive victories in Serie A after being winless in their first three matches.
Chris Richards: Everton vs. Crystal Palace
Saturday, Sep. 28 (10 a.m. ET Peacock)
In an unlikely clash near the relegation zone, Crystal Palace seek their first victory of the season facing a spiraling Everton side. Defensively Palace have been pretty average allowing seven goals but they can’t find the back of the net only scoring four goals this season. That means that Chris Richards and the defense has to almost be perfect in order to secure victories. Palace may also do well trying to aim for Richards more on set plays as anything will help at this stage.
Tim Weah and Weston McKennie: Genoa vs. Juventus
Saturday, Sep. 28 (12 p.m. ET Paramount+)
After filling in as a nine for Thiago Motta against Napoli, this match facing Genoa will be one where we begin to see if Time Weah the striker is a new trend or just a blip for Juventus. It’s clear that he’s a key player under Motta despite getting injured during the first match of the season, so seeing what happens here will show what to expect moving forward. For McKennie, he has now gotten back into the XI and scored so it’s another situation where we’ll begin to see what his role is under Motta.
Folarin Balogun: Monaco vs. Montpellier
Saturday, Sep. 28 (3 p.m. ET beIN Sports and fubo TV)
Folarin Balogun has scored his first goal for Monaco and now he’ll have to push to remain in the starting lineup. Wirth Champions League play coming, Breel Embolo could be rested providing Balogun with an opportunity to show what he can do yet again. Facing a poor Montpellier defense, it would be disappointing if he wasn’t able to score. Once a striker can string together goals in back to back matches, that’s when confidence begins to return allowing a chance for Balogun to get back to his best.
Johnny Cardoso: Real Betis vs. Espanyol
Sunday, Sep. 29 (12:30 p.m. ET ESPN+)
Facing a recently promoted team is a good time for Johnny Cardoso to find his feet. Starting Betis’ last match he was solid in midfield, but still off the form that saw him become a mainstay in the center of the park to close out last season. For young players, development has ups and downs so it’s no time to be worried because Cardoso has the tools to succeed but he needs consistent playing time.
