Recent Highlights: USMNT Players Shine in European Leagues

In Atalanta’s most recent match against Genoa, a name of particular interest emerged for USMNT fans: Yunus Musah. Musah made his third start of the season and first since September, and he seized the opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities and solidify his place in the lineup.

His performance against Genoa was impressive, particularly as the match took a turn early on with a red card for a Genoa player in the third minute, allowing Musah and the Atalanta midfield more freedom. He played the entire match, achieving a remarkable 93 percent pass completion rate, delivering seven passes into the final third, and executing two successful dribbles. Musah exhibited several notable moments and driving runs forward, which are expectations for any team fielding the USMNT midfielder.

“I’m really happy,” Musah expressed after the match. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for a while. I was as happy as if it was my debut. I hope to continue like this now.”

Looking ahead, the question remains whether Musah’s performance will influence his future with Atalanta. Since joining the club on loan from Milan, he has seen limited playing time. With the January transfer window approaching, there is speculation about whether Milan might recall him. Atalanta’s upcoming match against Inter will be pivotal; if Musah starts, it may indicate that the club has plans for him. Conversely, if he does not feature, the game against Genoa may be viewed as an isolated incident in a challenging season.

Meanwhile, Antonee Robinson has made a welcome return to form after a lengthy absence due to injury. After a stellar start to last season, his performance declined as injuries sidelined him for the initial months of this season. However, he has since started three matches, contributing to two wins for Fulham, including important fixtures against Burnley and Nottingham Forest.

In those matches, Robinson demonstrated his prowess by delivering nine crosses, winning eight tackles, and creating two chances, showcasing the all-around contributions fans expect from him. Additionally, he recorded his first assist of the season during a Carabao Cup match against Newcastle, bringing his total to 17 assists across all competitions for the 2023-24 season, placing him second among Premier League defenders behind Pedro Porro.

Robinson still has fitness to regain, but he is already making a significant impact as the holiday season approaches.

Weston McKennie reached a notable milestone with his 200th appearance for Juventus, a moment that quietly underscored his resilience at one of Europe’s premier clubs. Frequently under scrutiny, McKennie has responded effectively, contributing two goals and two assists over the past month, including key performances in the Champions League against formidable opponents.

With these contributions, McKennie has become the second USMNT player to achieve 10 Champions League goal involvements, joining Christian Pulisic. This trend of stepping up in critical moments is a hallmark of McKennie’s career, and many more significant challenges lie ahead.

Ricardo Pepi’s scoring streak continues to captivate attention, as he recently netted his 15th goal in 13 Eredivisie starts for PSV. His consistency has been remarkable, scoring in 10 of those appearances, including each of his last four. Additionally, he found the net against Atletico Madrid, highlighting his offensive prowess.

As of now, Pepi holds an impressive tally of 10 goals and three assists in a combined 850 minutes across Eredivisie and Champions League play. However, his performance will be on pause during the winter break, with PSV scheduled to return to action on January 10 against Excelsior, where fans hope his excellent form continues.