GOAL reviews key takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including Reyna's big goal and Robinson's effort vs Liverpool
Even without Christian Pulisic taking the field, it was a big weekend for Americans Abroad. From much-needed goals to big performances in big games, there was plenty to be excited about.
Gio Reyna stole the show, no doubt, scoring a monumental goal for Borussia Dortmund. It was his first since May 2024, and it certainly felt like a turning point for the young American. With that goal, he now has 14, the most by a U23 American in a top five league, surpassing even Pulisic. It was a reminder of how young Reyna is and, at his best, how good he can be.
Speaking of the best, zoom in on Antonee Robinson, who stood tall against Liverpool. The Reds came all the way back for a draw, but Robinson was fantastic with two assists and one lockdown defensive performance against Mohammed Salah.
Things are trending upwards for the USMNT's big stars heading into 2025, particularly if Reyna can get going. GOAL looks at key takeaways from Americans Abroad.
Getty Images SportThe Premier League's best left-back
The social media chatter has been particularly active: “Antonee Robinson is the best left-back in the Premier League.” Some said it with their hearts. Some said it with statistics. On Saturday, anyone who wasn’t saying it saw it with their very eyes.
Where do you even begin? Is it with the two assists in Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool? Is it the tireless work rate? Is it with the defensive masterclass against Mohammed Salah, the best attacker in the Premier League? Robinson did it all with the world watching.
It’s not something said in jest – Robinson IS the Premier League’s best left-back. Often overlooked due to his consistency, he can’t be anymore. Perhaps he deserves to be playing at a higher level, but in other ways, there’s no chance he could be playing at a level higher than he is right now.
So put some respect on Robinson’s name. He continues to earn it in the biggest games.
AdvertisementGettyReyna creates his own momentum
He sure needed that, didn't he? Given the chance to start for Dortmund, Reyna scored exactly the type of goal to get himself back on track.
Just seconds into the second half, Reyna smashed home his first goal in more than a year, giving Dortmund a 1-0 win over Hoffenheim. They were unable to protect that lead, conceding a goal in the 91st minute, but, in terms of Reyna, this was a great day for the big picture.
After having a few decent moments against Barcelona midweek, Reyna finally made an emphatic statement. By crushing that goal, Reyna announced that he can be a real contributor for this Dortmund team. One swing of the foot doesn't erase how difficult it has been, but it's one hell of a start.
Now, it's all about how Reyna builds on this momentum. Can he hold onto this newfound starting spot? That's the aim. Reyna is still very much in prove-it mode, but, thanks to Sunday's goal, he has reason to feel confident heading into 2025.
AFPChampions League highs, Serie A lows for Juventus
It was ann odd week for the Americans at Juventus. Midweek was the highest of highs. The weekend? Well, it wasn’t that.
After a Weston McKennie-Tim Weah connection led the way in a win over Manchester City, Juve’s poor run in Serie A continued on Saturday in a 2-2 draw with Venezia. With that result, Juventus have now drawn four consecutive league matches, which isn't the formula for winning a Scuddeto now, is it?
McKennie was largely solid in midfield, continuing to build on his goal against City midweek. Weah couldn't quite make his mark in the attack, with Kenan Yildiz being more of a focal point on the other side. Meanwhile, fellow American Gianluca Busio stepped up with a good performance for Venezia, helping the relegation favorites steal a point from a visit to one of the league's giants.
Venezia will take that point and run, while Juventus will be extremely frustrated. Fresh off their biggest win of the season, Juve failed to carry on that momentum. Now, despite still being without a loss in the league, they sit nine points behind league-leaders Atalanta. Too many draws, too few points, and that lesson was driven home once again this weekend for Juventus.
AFPPepi situation gets weirder
Entering the weekend, Ricardo Pepi had scored 10 goals in 613 Eredivisie minutes. PSV benched him on Saturday anyway. It proved costly. Pepi came on for the final 23 minutes, but was unable to save PSV in a 1-0 loss to Heerenveen.
It was just PSV's second loss of the league season, with the only other coming against Ajax in November. That Ajax game, conveniently, was when Luuk de Jong scored his most recent goal. The Dutch veteran has been PSV's starter since Pepi arrived and, despite the American's goalscoring run, seems to remain the preferred option up top for the Dutch giants.
Will that remain the case? Can PSV afford to not continue riding the Pepi train? Saturday showed that they may not be able to continue on without the striker, who has been too good to ignore all season long.