GOAL breaks down expectations for U.S. Internationals ahead of the upcoming European season, with a look at Germany's top flight
Americans and the Bundesliga – there's so much history there. When many of Europe's top leagues were afraid to take chances on American soccer's top stars, Germany never shied away. It's why so many careers started in Germany's top flight and why so many U.S. men's national team stars will have fond memories of big Bundesliga matches.
Things have changed, of course, but some stayed the same. Heading into the new season, there are plenty of Americans scattered throughout the Bundesliga and, while there may be fewer by the time the transfer window closes, Germany's top flight remains one of the best proving grounds for the USMNT's best players.
From World Cup veterans to young stars itching for a breakout, there's no shortage of storylines to watch this season. There's a focus on who has arrived and who may still leave, but this season should be another dynamic one on the field, given the sheer variety of American players all over the league.
Ahead the European season, GOAL takes a closer look at the expectations for Americans Abroad. Next up: the Bundesliga.
|
Getty ImagesMalik Tillman, Bayer Leverkusen
After making his big summer move from PSV, Malik Tillman will be feeling the weight of expectations as he's tasked with helping replace a superstar.
Tillman alone can't replicate what Florian Wirtz provided. Few can, which is why Liverpool broke the bank to sign him. Tillman, though, is one hell of an attacking midfielder, one that seemingly gets better every year – and that's why Bayer Leverkusen used a chunk of that Wirtz to bring the midfielder over to Germany.
Now, Tillman will join a legitimate Bundesliga contender, one that knocked Bayern off their perch just two seasons ago. Much has changed since, both on the field and on the sidelines with Xabi Alonso's departure this summer, but make no mistake: Leverkusen is up near the top of this league.
It'll now be up to Tillman to show he is, too. He stepped up massively with the USMNT at this summer's at the Gold Cup, which should give him a confidence boost heading into the season, despite some fitness issues. Tillman is now on a bigger stage than he was before, one that could allow the 23-year-old midfielder – coming off a breakout Gold Cup performance – to blossom into a legitimate World Cup starter.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportJoe Scally, Borussia Monchengladbach
Scally was part of that group of regulars left off the USMNT squad this summer, and that'll likely light a fire under him. Not that he really needs it in the Bundesliga, to be fair, as he's been a steady defender in Germany's top flight for several years now.
Just 22, Scally already has 120 Bundesliga appearances for Gladbach. He's proven time and time again that he's a player who can play at this level. More specifically, he's proven he can defend at this level, which is his No. 1 task at Gladbach. As a mid-table team, Gladbach doesn't need anything particularly flashy, they just need stability.
Scally, by and large, provided that for the USMNT, but the U.S. also needs something a bit more. It's why the return of Sergino Dest is so anticipated. Stylistically, Scally and Dest are polar opposites, which is what makes that fullback situation so interesting. To remain in that battle, Scally likely has to just continue what he's always done but, if he can add a bit more on the attacking end this season, that would go a long way.
GettyGio Reyna, Cole Campbell and Mathis Albert, Borussia Dortmund
Get your bets in, everyone. Which of these three is most likely to actually play for Dortmund this season?
It may not be Reyna, who has been due for an exit for a long time. He played just 12 minutes at the Club World Cup this summer after playing just 341 league minutes last season.
His progress has been stunted by a series of injuries and a lack of minutes, which is why he's been so widely linked with a Dortmund exit all summer long. When that exit comes is anyone's guess but, after seeing his No. 7 given to Jobe Bellingham, the writing is on the wall: Reyna's time with the club is over.
Campbell's may be too, as he is also linked with an exit. Stuttgart are reportedly ready to give him the first-team opportunity he isn't expected to get with his current club this season, but Dortmund still have high hopes for him down the line. It's a tricky scenario, one that could end with Campbell leaving the club for playing time, either on loan or permanently.
And then there's Albert, the 16-year-old rising star who was the youngest player at this summer's Club World Cup. He recently signed a new deal and is expected to spend this season with Dortmund's second team, having previously done well for the club's youth sides.
Can he earn a debut by season's end? It would be a huge rise, but not one that's impossible for the teenage winger.
Getty Images SportKevin Paredes, Wolfsburg
It was a unfortunate, but injuries essentially wiped out Paredes' last season. Riding high off an Olympic run, he missed eight months, only returning for two appearances towards the tail end of Wolfsburg's season. It could have been a breakout year for the now-22-year-old winger. Instead, it was spent rehabbing in pursuit of a return to the field.
So what can he make of this season, then? Now fit, can Paredes now make his late push towards a World Cup spot?
It's certainly possible. Able to play anywhere on the left-hand side or even centrally in a pinch, Paredes is someone who can add plenty to a USMNT pool lacking difference-makers out wide. To be that player, he'll have to first show that he can do it with his club after missing his chance to do so last season.