Americans Abroad Review: Dest shines in El Clasico, Brooks stellar in Wolfsburg win, and more
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3 Yrs Ago
Sergino Dest made history over the weekend, becoming the first American to play in El Clasico, and while simply being a trailblazer alone would have been noteworthy enough, the young defender also played an excellent match despite Barcelona’s defeat.
It was a weekend that saw some of Dest’s U.S. Men’s National Team teammates enjoy better results, with John Brooks and Josh Sargent helping their Bundesliga sides record victories. Gio Reyna also fared well in helping Borussia Dortmund win its derby showdown with Schalke, while Christian Pulisic held his own in Chelsea’s draw with Manchester United.
Weston McKennie returned from his COVID-19 induced break, but he didn’t wind up appearing in Juventus’ 1-1 draw with Verona on Sunday. The good news is he is back, and will be available for selection when Juventus faces Dest and Barcelona on Wednesday.
Tyler Adams missed RB Leipzig’s win against Hertha Berlin with a knee injury. The timetable on his return is unclear at the moment, putting his availability for Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Manchester United in doubt.
The American duo at Fulham continue to search for their team’s first win, but while the Cottagers failed to deliver that victory, Antonee Robinson did show well in Fulham’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace.
Here is a closer look at the top American performers in Europe’s top leagues:
Sergino Dest impressive in El Clasico
No Barcelona player generated more praise following Saturday’s El Clasico loss to Real Madrid than Sergino Dest, who made his first start at his natural right back position and showed wby Barcelona was so eager to sign him away from Ajax.
Dest contained Brazilian speedster Vinicius Jr., showing his defensive qualities as well as his ability to get forward, finishing with a game-high five successful dribbles to go with his 40 of 42 completed passes. His performance will give Ronald Koeman every reason to start Dest against Juventus on Wednesday.
Gio Reyna steady in Dortmund win
Gio Reyna played a different role than he had early on in the Bundesliga season for Borussia Dortmund, and he showed his ability to function as a winger in the 3-0 win against Schalke. Reyna finished with a game-high nine attempted dribbles, and tied for most completed dribbles (four).
Tasked with providing width more than operating in his more recent role as a central playmaker, Reyna didn’t record any assists, but was still active and kept the pressure on Schalke’s right flank. The result was a win that keeps Dortmund just one point behind Bundesliga leader RB Leipzig.
Brooks helps Wolfsburg post first win
John Brooks continued his strong start to the Bundesliga season leading the Wolfsburg defense in a 2-1 win against Arminia Bielefeld. The veteran centerback contributed a game-high eight clearances and eight aerial duals, as well as completing 53 of 61 passes.
The USMNT central defender will have a chance to face his former team, Hertha Berlin, next week as he tries to help keep Wolfburg undefeated.
Pulisic limps out of Chelsea's draw with Manchester United
Christian Pulisic limped off late in Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United after a rough challenge by Scott McTominay left the American star with an ankle knock that forced him out in the 81st minute.
Before his departure, Pulisic had been the most effective of Chelsea’s front three, finishing with a team-high three shots. It remains to be seen whether the ankle injury he suffered will keep him out of Chelsea’s Champions League visit to Russian side Krasnodar on Wednesday.
Sargent goes full 90 minutes again as Werder Bremen unbeaten run reaches four
Josh Sargent’s quest for his first goal of the new Bundesliga season continues, but in the meantime he has solidified his starting role, helping Werder Bremen emerge as one of the surprises of the early campaign.
Bremen is unbeaten in four after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim and Sargent turned in a good shift in a bit more of a withdrawn role. What he lacked in attacking contributions Sargent made up for in defensive contributions, helping press from the front and limiting Hoffenheim to one goal.