The top USMNT players abroad
The United States has produced some excellent soccer stars over the years, but the current crop could elevate the USMNT to heights they haven't enjoyed quite yet.
While players like Landon Donovan have come and gone, US stars are enjoying more regular game time across the world, particularly in Europe.
Ahead of their upcoming friendly against Switzerland, here are the top USMNT currently playing outside the United States.
1. Gio Reyna - Borussia Dortmund
Reyna joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2019, and has grown to become a huge part of the team’s success.
He made 32 appearances for Dortmund before turning 18 in November 2020, standing as the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League. The USMNT player has already broken a plethora of records at BVB, including some of Pulisic’s best.
Dortmund’s assistant coach Jörg Heinrich compared the two Americans in 2019, stating: “I think his talent is similar to Christian Pulisic, or maybe a little bit better.”
Reyna will continue to play Champions League football after Borussia Dortmund secured their spot for the upcoming season.
2. Christian Pulisic - Chelsea
Christian Pulisic is one of the most exciting prospects in recent years to grace the USMNT. He kicked off his career abroad in Borussia Dortmund as a 16-year-old in 2015.
Pulisic quickly rose through the ranks, going from academy youngster to a crucial component and record-breaking player for the senior squad. In 2019, he signed for Chelsea and became a regular in the starting line up by the end of the year.
Despite a heavy injury spell, Pulisic opened the scoring in Chelsea’s first two matches and triumphed against Aston Villa and Manchester City.
3. Matthew Hoppe - Schalke
Matthew Hoppe will make his USMNT debut in the upcoming friendly against Switzerland after being called up by head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Hoppe currently plays for Schalke, where in a matter of merely weeks he went from a relatively unknown player to first-team candidate. The American player brings hope to fans as he is playing at his highest level yet in a time of desperate need for his team.
4. Sergiño Dest - Barcelona
The full-back started his career abroad with the Ajax B-team before quickly being promoted to the senior squad.
He went on to play in 20 of 25 matches for the Dutch team, including 10 of 12 Champions League and Europa League matches. He now strives at Barcelona, providing long passes to Lionel Messi at the top.
Dest is no stranger to USMNT football, having represented the US at both the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and Under-20 World Cup in 2019. He was also recently called up to participate in the United States' friendly against Switzerland.
5. Weston McKennie - Juventus
Weston McKennie is a standout name in Europe. The American player arrived at Schalke in 2016, initially considered as part of the Under-19 group, but McKennie’s immense potential led the player straight to the senior squad.
After a stellar run in the Bundesliga, McKennie went on to sign for Juventus in 2020. The young American now plays alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and just recently celebrated his first Coppa Italia title.
McKennie also headlines the USMNT roster for the friendly against Switzerland.
6. Tim Weah - Lille
American Tim Weah is the son of Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, the only African player to ever win the honor.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Tim Weah has begun to define himself as a top player in Ligue 1. He also headlines most USMNT squads, most recently the roster for United States' friendly.
7. Tim Ream - Fulham
Tim Ream is a staple for the USMNT. The defender has featured six times for Premier League side Fulham during the English season, providing experience and knowledge.
The veteran player started his career in the MLS before making his way over the pond to experiment new tactics and strategies. Ream features in the roster for the United States' friendly against Switzerland and fans expect him to make an impact on the pitch.