Then Juventus and PSV meet in the Champions LeagueAmericans will be on full display as each team has multiple members of the United States Men’s National Team in their lineup. Players like Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, and even Malik Tillman and Ricardo Pepi are well known to USMNT viewers. But the one player who could play the biggest role might be the last one that comes to mind. PSV right-back Richard Ledezma has been moved into a new position this season and is flourishing as he helps fill the void left by Sergino Dest’s cruciate ligament injury at right-back.
Ledezma is an attacking midfielder by nature and has actually played in every midfield or attacking position until this season, but when Peter Bosz came to him before the first match of the season at PSV and said: you are now a right back, he resigned. PSV have kept two clean sheets in a row in the Eredivisie, conceding just three goals and scoring 20. Ledezma’s defensive and offensive play was crucial to both.
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“When the coach first told me that I was playing as a right back, it was the day before the match. I remember when Jordan Teze made his move to Monaco. When he told me I was a bit in shock,” Ledezma said. the transition. Morning Footy from CBS Sport Golazo. “But I was ready to be on the pitch after a long time at PSV. It was a lot of fun playing and as you said, I played my first ninety minutes for PSV and it is a learning experience and a process, but it was fun.”
Despite being in the PSV system since 2019, Ledezma struggled to make regular appearances for the club before this season after moving from Real Salt Lake to the Netherlands. A loan to New York City FC, with Ledezma playing all over the pitch, brought about a transformation, thanks to the regular minutes that allowed him to impress the coaching staff. Ledezma could have easily pushed for a transfer that guaranteed first-team football over the summer, but instead the push has ended and he has now played a crucial role for PSV.
It is expected that defenders under Bosz will have strong ball possession and Ledezma’s attacking experience helps with this. Playing all over the field at Yankee Stadium, he had to be very aware of the bounce of the ball and how it affects the game, which translates directly to defense.
“I have a winning mentality now and my dream was to always play in Europe and that’s a big part of me, to always try to play at the highest level,” Ledezma said. “When I came back from NYCFC I was given an opportunity and I took it well, so I hope I can continue on the same track.”
That dream will be taken to a new level against Juventus on Tuesday in the biggest match of Ledezma’s young career so far. PSV have their sights set on making the knockouts and defense will be crucial in helping them get there. If Ledezma can continue his strong performances, knockout podium football may not be the only thing in his future.
While he would have the honor of representing the USMNT on the international stage, he is still not bound by his expectations and has not closed the door on representing Mexico when they call. The latest double national draw could come in the future, but for now Ledezma will focus on the task at hand: leading PSV as far as possible in Champions League play.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Tuesday September 17 | Time: 12:45 PM ET
- Location: Allianz Stadium – Turin, Italy
- Watch: Biggest+
- Chances: Juventus -130; Sign +270; PSV+340