Americans Abroad: Pulisic lifts a trophy with Chelsea, Matt Turner officially joins Arsenal
European leagues are back in full swing, and USMNT figures are thriving. Over the weekend, Christian Pulisic became the first ever American to lift the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, while John Brooks inspired Wolfsburg to their second consecutive victory.
Matt Turner became the latest American to sign for an English Premier League team, with a move to Arsenal set for June. He is set to become the second USMNT goalkeeper currently in the EPL, alongside Manchester City’s Zack Steffen.
Here's what the Americans abroad are up to...
1. Pulisic lifts the FIFA Club World Cup trophy
Christian Pulisic became the first American player to lift the FIFA Club World Cup trophy after Chelsea defeated Brazilian side Palmeiras 2-1 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The victory marks the ninth-consecutive time that a European club has won the tournament, and the third time an English Premier League has been victorious.
Pulisic was called into action right before half time, following the 32nd minute injury to Mason Mount. The USMNT star swiftly suited up to feature for 88 minutes as Chelsea scored in the final minutes of extra time to secure the victory.
The American forward was heavily involved in the game, winning six of his 11 individual duels, drawing a match-high four fouls and completing 87% of his passes.
2. Matt Turner signs with Arsenal
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner is officially headed to the English Premier League, joining Arsenal on a permanent transfer this June from the New England Revolution.
He will remain with the Major League Soccer side for the upcoming Concacaf Champions League and the first half of the 2022 season.
The goalkeeper became a standout in 2021, recording 101 saves in 35 regular-season games to win the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year award and lead the Revs to lift the MLS Supporters’ Shield.
He will become the second USMNT goalkeeper in the English Premier League, joining Manchester City’s Zack Steffen.
3. John Brooks delivers for Wolfsburg
John Brooks featured for Wolfsburg on Saturday as the team managed a 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt to earn its first consecutive winning run since early November.
The USMNT defender was pivotal in the triumph, winning two of his three tackle attempts, eight of his 10 duels, and making three blocks.
His efforts on the backline helped Wolfsburg to its second league clean sheet out of the last 14 matches in all competitions. The win moved the German side to 12th on the Bundesliga table, widening the gap from the relegation zone.
4. Honorable mentions:
Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson both started for Fulham in their 1-0 victory over Hull City.
Weston McKennie featured for Juventus in their 1-1 draw with Atalanta on Sunday.
Sergino Dest started for Barcelona in their 2-2 draw with Espanyol on Sunday.
Gianluca Busio featured in Venezia’s 2-1 win over Torino on Saturday.