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After an international break that saw members of the United States men’s national team fail to take their chances to impress new boss Mauricio Pochettino, a return to club football could provide a much-needed reset. It is clear that Pochettino will have high expectations from the members of the player pool. That’s why it will be more important than ever to keep an eye on who is getting the most out of their club minutes.
A new manager can bring a clean slate for members of the player pool who may have been overlooked by Gregg Berhalter in the previous regime, as Pochettino will have different ideas about what it takes to build a squad. If players are up to the challenge, success could be in the USMNT’s future, but they will be challenged.
Let’s take a look at some of the players we can watch abroad this weekend:
Lennard Maloney: Borussa Dortmund vs FC Heidenheim
Friday, September 13 (2:30 p.m. on ESPN+)
Speaking of clean slates in the USMNT pool, the Heidenheim midfielder is someone who could gain more prominence under Pochettino. Lennard Maloney’s range may be limited, but the ground he can cover defensively is not. An away match against Dortmund is quite a test for any player, as one wrong step can lead to a loss, but that’s the kind of pressure American players need to grow.
Brenden Aaronson: Leeds United vs Burnley
Saturday, August 14 (7:30 a.m Biggest+)
After working his way back into the first XI for Leeds United, Brenden Aaronson will now face Scott Parker’s Burnley. After dropping out of the Premier League last season, Burnley will relish the opportunities to climb back up, but Leeds have a similar goal and the urgency to make it happen. Having already failed to gain promotion last season, Leeds will take another financial hit if they spend another season in the Championship, and beating promotion rivals will be crucial if they are to return to the top.
Chris Richards: Crystal Palace vs Leicester City
Saturday, August 14 (10 a.m. on US and Fubo)
After drawing against Chelsea in a strong performance, Crystal Palace now return home in a match they are favored to win. Sometimes after an international break it can be difficult for teams to regain focus, and that is where the Eagles could be challenged by Leicester City. The Foxes are expected to be in the relegation race but will be ready for this match and Jamie Vardy is quite a challenge for Chris Richards to defend. If Palace are to take all three points, keeping a solid line and keeping up with Vardy’s pace will be crucial, and both are things Richards is adept at.
Christian Pulisic, Gianluca Busio and Yunus Musah: Milan vs Venice
Saturday, September 14 (2:45 p.m Biggest+)
It’s been a rather poor start to the season for Milan, but kicking off the return from the international break on home turf against a newly promoted team is a chance to turn things around. They could face Gianluca Busio, who recently extended his contract with Venezia. He is yet to feature this season after picking up an injury during the Olympics, but has had time for some much-needed rest following an international break. Christian Pulisic scored for the US on Tuesday and will look to do so for Milan this weekend.
Tanner Tessmann: Lens vs. Lyon
Sunday, September 15 (2:45 PM on beIN Sports and Fubo)
After appearing off the bench before the international break, Tanner Tessmann could be in line for his full Lyon debut after joining from Venezia. An away match against Lens offers Lyon the chance to take points from a team undefeated to start the season in their quest to move up the table. With two defeats already, Lyon will need points sooner or later and they have a chance to do just that after the international break.