A trio of Bundesliga regulars headline the best of the U.S. national team stars overseas
It was a season of transition for the Americans Abroad contingent.
Christian Pulisic dealt with a cut in his playing time, and a record-setting transfer to Chelsea. Weston McKennie had to cope with a coaching change as his Schalke had a terrible campaign. Matt Miazga had to endure a terrible loan stint in France before rescuing his season with a successful stint at Reading FC.
It was also a year that saw some Americans rebound and recover from rough periods in their career. John Brooks put together an outstanding season for Wolfsburg after missing much of the previous season through injury. Ethan Horvath rebounded from a season spent on the bench at Club Brugge to not only become a starter, but standout for the Belgian club. Lynden Gooch endured a second straight relegation season with Sunderland last campaign, but has been a top performer for the Black Cats as they work to climb back up the promotion ladder.
There were also some career years, including Andrew Wooten's goal-filled campaign at Sandhausen, and Ventura Alvarado's season as captain and defensive leader for Necaxa. Tyler Adams had a special year as well, making a successful transition from MLS to the Bundesliga, becoming a starter for RB Leipzig.
Which Americans Abroad enjoyed the best seasons? Here are Goal's selections for the Americans Abroad Best XI for the 2018/2019 season:
Martin RoseEthan Horvath, Club BruggeAfter a disappointing 2017/2018 campaign, Horvath won the starting job at Club Brugge early in the season and never let it go, posting some impressive performances in UEFA Champions League as well as in the Belgian League.AdvertisementGetty ImagesJohn Brooks, WolfsburgLimited by injury to just nine matches during his first season at Wolfsburg, Brooks rebounded with the type of season expected of him when he made his move from Hertha Berlin. Brooks made 29 starts for Wolfsburg, contributing three goals and two assists, along with steady defending.Rocio VazquezVentura Alvarado, NecaxaAfter winning a Copa MX in his first season at Necaxa, Alvarado managed to enjoy an impressive encore, becoming a regular starter and captain in his first full season at Necaxa. He helped the club reach the Clausura playoffs, playing well enough to begin garnering attention as a potential U.S. national team option.Getty ImagesAntonee Robinson, Wigan Athletic (via Everton)An injured suffered while with the U.S. national team cost him a chunk of the season, but when he was healthy he established himself as a steady presence at left back for Wigan in what was just his second season of first-team action. The 21-year-old defender looked sharp enough in his return from injury to be considered a candidate to return to the USMNT setup, and should be given a chance to compete for a place on the Everton roster next season.