ASN: Scally, Reyna, Pulisic, & Konrad lead blended weekend for Individuals overseas

With the rising variety of Individuals taking part in overseas, there’ll all the time be highs and lows each weekend. This was the primary huge weekend of the 2021/22 season and there have been loads of peaks and valleys. ASN’s Brian Sciaretta is right here to stroll you thru all of it together with his ideas and evaluation. 

BY

Brian Sciaretta

Posted
August 16, 2021
3:30 AM

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THE FIRST TRULY BIG weekend of the 2021 season for Individuals in Europe was decidedly blended. There have been some apparent highs and a few tough lows – with one of the best moments coming from established gamers in addition to gamers taking their first main steps of their profession.

After all, there have been some gamers who had been lacking, and this has given the speak of potential transfers. Matthew Hoppe didn’t play for Schalke and is now linked by the English media as being a goal of Everton – though the value appears a bit low.

????????#Everton met with the #Schalke04 workforce and received details about Matthew #Hoppe.

????Everton plans to bid ????£2 million for #MatthewHoppe. #EFC #S04 pic.twitter.com/Y0zvIBhqJR

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) August 15, 2021

One other American participant value watching proper now for a possible transfer is Ricardo Pepi at FC Dallas. Gazzetta dello Sport linked the gifted teenage ahead to Bologna though Pepi’s worth might be going to be considerably greater than what Dallas searched for even Bryan Reynolds at Roma.

La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting curiosity in FC Dallas ahead Ricardo Pepi from Bologna https://t.co/E3MYReIdx1

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) August 15, 2021

However for all these at the moment on groups and suiting up for motion, listed here are my ideas on the highest tales from the weekend.

Scally’s huge Bundesliga debut

After a promising membership debut final weekend for Borussia Monchengladbach within the German Cup, former New York Metropolis FC fullback Joe Scally had the most important Bundesliga debut potential – at residence in opposition to perennial champions Bayern Munich.

In brief, the Lengthy Island teenager handed with flying colours. Sometimes, Scally has been a proper again all through his youth profession however on this one he lined up on the left aspect and was tasked with defending Leroy Sane.

Scally, 18, was sharp from the get-go and within the first half, he was in all probability one of the best participant within the recreation. The second half turned slightly tougher for him (and for everybody else on Gladbach) as Bayern stepped up the sport. However this recreation was nothing lower than a homerun.

Joe Scally: Uncooked # for Gladbach in 1-1 draw vs. Bayern90 mins59 touches (most on Gladbach)4/5 lengthy balls2 crosses8/11 duels4 clearances2/3 dribbles2x fouled2/2 tackles2/2 aerials won3 interceptions- Massive time Bundesliga debut for the 18 yr outdated former #NYCFC fullback

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) August 13, 2021

The sport completed 1-1 and Scally had essentially the most touches of any Gladbach participant. His duel-winning (8/11) was first charge for a younger participant going in opposition to a bodily dominant membership like Bayern. Whereas proper footed, Scally performed the left again place in a approach the place he appeared his greatest when he lower centrally with possession to virtually play like a midfielder.

Scally began on this recreation as a result of beginning left again Ramy Bensebaini has been out with an harm. Scally’s success ensures that the membership can take its time with Bensebaini and never rush him again. Bensebaini will seemingly return to the beginning lineup as soon as he’s wholesome, however Scally has additionally proved that he can compete and hold the leash quick for Bensebaini. After all, Scally may also play proper again and that’s nonetheless in all probability the place he’ll play as soon as wholesome.

If Scally continues to get minutes for Borussia Monchengladbach, he has a great opportunity to be referred to as as much as the U.S. nationwide workforce – regardless of having no caps. Each proper again and left again have quite a lot of gamers within the pool, however few have cemented their standing outdoors of Dest. Bryan Reynolds, DeAndre Yedlin and Reggie Cannon aren’t settled with taking part in time at their golf equipment. Antonee Robinson is now within the Championship and is but to persuade underneath Berhalter. Sam Vines simply accomplished a transfer to Belgium and has to struggle for a beginning job at Antwerp.

September may come too quickly for Scally, however he’s in an important spot heading into October and November.

Pulisic’s spectacular Chelsea opener

Christian Pulisic, 22, picked up from the place he left off after his groundbreaking season in 2020/21 with a powerful begin to 2021/22 with Chelsea. The Hershey native received the beginning in opposition to Crystal Palace and was harmful all through in a 3-0 win in a London derby.

The spotlight is that he scored his workforce’s second purpose of the day.

Christian Pulisic’s purpose for Chelsea. #USMNT pic.twitter.com/uwX2CSz4Qt

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) August 14, 2021

He performed each wings all through but additionally had loads of touches in the course of the park. The result’s that he was very efficient even when his duel-winning numbers had been under his norm.

82 minutes
43 touches
2 pictures
1 purpose
0 key passes
22/24 passing
2/2 correct lengthy balls
4/14 duels received
2/4 dribbles
2x fouled
2 fouls
1 interception

Regardless, Pulisic performed like an influence participant on the reigning Champions League winners – which is on the elite ranges of the sport.

Reyna and BVB standout

Borussia Dortmund had a troublesome opponent in its opener in opposition to an Eintracht Frankfurt workforce which completed fifth within the Bundesliga final season. On this recreation, nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund appeared like a workforce so robust in a 5-2 win that it may very well be the membership to lastly dethrone Bayern Munich in Germany.

Erling Haaland might be one of the best heart ahead on this planet and he scored two of the workforce’s targets and assisted on one other two. The one purpose the place Haaland was not concerned was scored by U.S. worldwide Gio Reyna.

If Dortmund can handle to carry on to Haaland, they’ve an actual shot to win the Bundesliga this season as they’re so deep and gifted. Promoting the Norwegian would generate some huge cash however changing Haaland is almost not possible.

On this recreation, Reyna was sharp and is definitely one to look at this season. The son of the previous U.S. captain appears to be like set to take his recreation to but even one other degree. Final season, Reyna began robust, had a very robust center of the season, however then completed very robust.

Reyna, 18, was based mostly centrally on this recreation as an alternative of the wing – and that’s the place he’ll seemingly settle as he matures and settles together with his profession. This will get him extra touches and permits him to create in a way that matches his skillset.

87 minutes
61 touches
1 shot
1 purpose
1 key cross
27/35 passing
2 crosses
4/11 duels received
1/2 dribbles
3x fouled
2 fouls

With Haaland on this workforce, Reyna may have the prospect to be a part of one thing particular and flex his muscle to the elite golf equipment as to what he can do when surrounded by high expertise.

De la Fuente impresses once more

Konrad de la Fuente, 20, had an important debut final weekend for Marseille in an exciting win over Montpellier. On Sunday, the Miami native had an opportunity as he earned the beginning at residence in opposition to Bordeaux within the membership’s residence opener.

For de la Fuente, he was electrical – particularly within the first half. He was wrongfully denied a penalty within the first half and was the participant most chargeable for the workforce’s opening purpose.

Right here’s the Marseille purpose which Konrad de la Fuente created. Spectacular stuff pic.twitter.com/mSBbz9f7jy

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) August 15, 2021

Sadly for Marseille, the squad squandered a 2-0 halftime lead and settled for some extent in a 2-2 draw.

Within the second half, de la Fuente noticed his affect on the sport decline a bit however he has proven himself to be a participant with monumental potential and nicely well worth the excessive worth paid by Marseille. Even when he’s in a recreation with restricted touches, he can nonetheless be a participant that may make a distinction.

For the nationwide workforce, de la Fuente is among the few gamers with an opportunity to be referred to as as much as the nationwide workforce regardless of not having been a part of both the Nations League or Gold Cup profitable groups (different gamers embody Chris Richards, Joe Scally, and Ricardo Pepi). De la Fuente is a participant who can create one thing out of nothing and make a giant play on a close to particular person foundation.

Dest strong for post-Messi Barca

It’s the begin of a brand new period for Barcelona as Lionel Messi has lastly left and joined Paris St. Germain. This had been coming however now it’s lastly official Barca have entered into a brand new period.

On Sunday, it started nicely with a 4-2 win over Actual Sociedad. Sergino Dest received the beginning at proper again, performed 73 minutes, and left with Barca up 3-0. He was not on the sector when Sociedad made a late rally to push for a draw.

Dest, 20, was robust on either side of the ball and, usually, appeared extra comfy within the assault than he did for many of final season earlier than the workforce switched to a three-centerback formation with two wingbacks.

71 minutes
55 touches
6/8 duels received
2/2 dribbles
1x fouled
1 foul

All eyes had been on Barcelona on this recreation and Dest was a part of a formidable effort. This yr, with out Messi, Barcelona may have its character examined and it is going to be fascinating to look at Dest be a part of that and mature himself.

Fulham cruises previous Huddersfield

Within the Championship, a trio of Individuals began when Fulham traveled north to go to Huddersfield on Saturday. Each groups have totally different aims as Fulham hopes for promotion again to the Premier League whereas Huddersfield may very well be in jeopardy of relegation.

That’s precisely the way it performed out as Fulham posted a lopsided 5-1 victory over a poor Huddersfield workforce.

The 2 Individuals on Fulham performed nicely. Antonee Robinson had 80 touches at left again and was capable of rise up the sector with ease. Tim Ream, stayed again at left central protection and was a peaceful and regular presence. Ream and Robinson each appeared in-synch and it is going to be fascinating to look at them shift from a relegation-battling squad to a workforce anticipated to win commonly.

For Robinson, this would be the first time in his profession he won’t be on a squad battling relegation. How will that have an effect on his recreation? Will he be capable to assault extra? Up to now, the early returns are promising.

As for Holmes, he wished to return to his hometown membership at Huddersfield. He received his want however he’s in all probability a bit shocked at how robust the form of the membership is true now. This may very well be a troublesome battle this season.

Robust one. We are saying sure, it’s a #WPIOOTBGW. The keeper wasn’t clearing it or booting it lengthy. pic.twitter.com/ReGtwWb5Qu

— When Taking part in It Out of the Again Goes Incorrect (@wpiootbgw) August 14, 2021

Weah & Lille blown out

Whereas Tim Weah and Lille received Ligue 1 final season, the squad had a rocky offseason. The membership made no noticeable upgrades and head coach Christophe Galtier left for OGC Good. Final weekend, Lille needed to rally for a 3-3 draw in opposition to Metz and on Sunday it confronted Galtier and Good in its residence opener following the title win final season.

This recreation seemingly shocked the house crowd as Good got here away with a 4-0 win in what was a brutal effort from Lille. With the upgrades Paris St. Germain and Good made, it doesn’t appear to be Lille might be within the operating this season. Primarily based on the primary two video games of the season, it has quite a lot of critical questions to deal with.

Le LOSC s’incline face à l’OGC Good.#LOSCOGCN 0-4 | ? 90’+3 pic.twitter.com/J4g6W5BOQX

— LOSC (@losclive) August 14, 2021

Adams & Marsch undergo unhealthy loss

It was anticipated to be an anticipated reunion for Tyler Adams and Jesse Marsch who impressed in MLS in 2017 earlier than each headed to Europe to proceed success. Tyler Adams has been with Leipzig since 2019 and Marsch is his third coach since getting the RB Leipzig gig this summer season.

Final weekend’s win over Sandhausen within the German Cup went nicely. Saturday’s Bundesliga opener away at Mainz was very disappointing as Mainz scored within the twelfth minute on a purpose from Moussa Niakhate and held on for a 1-0 win.

On this recreation, RB Leipzig merely couldn’t get something going. The midfield was disjointed and there have been frequent turnovers. Tyler Adams wasn’t as efficient defensively as he usually has been within the Bundesliga and his passing was hardly ever progressive.

Marsch, Adams, and the remainder of Leipzig has quite a bit to do with a purpose to proper the ship. Subsequent weekend the membership will tackle a Stuttgart workforce that impressed in its opener – and the that recreation will draw consideration again within the states because it options the primary time two golf equipment within the huge 5 leagues of Europe have met, who had been each coached by managers born and raised in the US.

Inexperienced and Furth are blown out

It was an important story final yr when Greuther Furth earned promotion to the Bundesliga with 2014 World Cup veteran Julian Inexperienced taking part in a giant half. Through the offseason, the membership made few enhancements and it led many to foretell an instantaneous relegation. In the meantime Furth’s opponent on Saturday, VfB Stuttgart, impressed final season underneath American supervisor Pellegrino Matarazzo.

This recreation lived as much as expectations as Stuttgart ran away with a 5-1 blowout victory. Inexperienced was hardly guilty as Furth was merely higher in each space of the sector. Furth are going to wish to win quickly or else their destiny might shortly turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy, very like Schalke final season following an 8-0 loss to Bayern within the opener adopted by a protracted string of defeats.

As for Matarazzo, his workforce appears to be like nice. After incomes promotion in 2020 adopted by a high 10 end final season, he has Stuttgart taking part in its greatest soccer in a decade. He’s clearly a supervisor going locations.

Membership debuts: Tessmann, Wright, & Sargent

A trio of gamers made their membership debuts with a various degree of success.

Venezia defeat Frosinone on the Copa Italia in a shootout (8-7) after a 1-1 draw. Tanner Tessmann made his membership debut and performed the final 38 minutes (33 touches, 17/23 passing, 3/5 duels received, 2/2 tackles, 2/3 lengthy balls however missed his shootout penalty)

— Brian Sciaretta (@BrianSciaretta) August 15, 2021

That is very cool if Tessmann will get the quantity 8 for the season. That is a giant time quantity. Reveals their regard for him pic.twitter.com/HPwr6k5Sy3

— third Diploma (@3rdDegreeNet) August 16, 2021

Haji Wright received the beginning for Antalyaspor in Turkey’s high flight and struggled in a 1-1 draw with Goztepe. The Californian on mortgage from Sonderjyske in Denmark performed the total 90 and had simply 23 touches, zero pictures, 7/12 passing, zero key passes, zero dribble makes an attempt, and received simply 6/16 of his duels. One of the best factor for him is that he drew three fouls – two in harmful places without spending a dime kicks.

Copa Italia replace

The Copa Italia basically received issues underway for the highest groups in Italy this weekend and except for Tanner Tessmann (mentioned above) two different Individuals had been in motion in Italy this weekend – each coming off the bench.

Weston McKennie got here off the bench within the 63rd minute for Juventus in a 3-1 win over Atalanta. The sport was 2-1 when he entered and McKennie, 22, had little influence within the recreation for Juventus – both good or unhealthy. It is going to be fascinating to see how he matches into the plans of recent supervisor Massimiliano Allegri early within the season.

Bryan Reynolds made his first Roma look underneath new supervisor Jose Mourinho on Saturday in a 5-0 win over Raja Casablanca. The previous FC Dallas fullback performed the ultimate 19 minutes and got here into the sport with Roma up 3-0. At this level, it appears to be like like Reynolds may not get loaned out however slightly keep as a backup. That, nevertheless, stays a fluid scenario.

Different Notes/Ideas

It is going to be a giant week forward for Brenden Aaronson and Salzburg which is able to tackle Brondby (at the moment shorthanded as a consequence of a COVID-19 outbreak) within the first leg of its Champions League playoff spherical.  Salzburg has received all 4 of its video games this season, however has not impressed in latest video games. This previous Saturday, the membership eked out a 1-0 win over Admira Moedling in a really common efficiency from each participant.

It was a troublesome activity for Luca de la Torre and Heracles on Saturday as they hosted PSV Eindhoven. PSV walked away with a 2-0 victory. De la Torre didn’t stand out terribly a lot on this recreation.

In Belgium, Chris Durkin began for St. Truiden in disappointing 2-1 away loss to Eupen which leaves St. Truiden with simply 4 factors from its first 4 video games (it’s winless after a gap weekend win).

U.S. nationwide workforce defender Mark McKenzie performed simply the final 10 minutes for KRC Genk in a 4-0 win over OH Leuven and his taking part in time might be value monitoring carefully within the early components of the season.

In the meantime, U.S. nationwide workforce left again Sam Vines made the bench for the primary time for Royal Antwerp however didn’t play in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Charleroi.

In Denmark, Emmanuel Sabbi and OB Odense performed to a 1-1 draw with Silkeborg. The American winger began and performed 76 minutes.

In England, Zack Steffen didn’t play for Manchester Metropolis in a 1-0 loss to Tottenham. Fellow U.S. nationwide workforce goalkeeper Ethan Horvath didn’t play for Nottingham Forest in a 2-1 loss to AFC Bournemouth. In League One, Lynden Gooch began for Sunderland in a 2-1 win over Milton Keynes Dons. He went the gap within the win however missed an 84th minute penalty.

In Portugal, Alex Mendez didn’t play for Vizela in a 2-1 win over Tondela on Saturday.

In Hungary, Henry Wingo didn’t begin for Ferencvaros in a 4-1 win over Mez?kövesd Zsory. The previous Seattle Sounder is being rested forward of the Champions League playoff spherical in opposition to BSC Younger Boys. He got here off the bench for the ultimate 18 minutes.

In South America, a number of Individuals had been in motion. In Ecuador, Michael Hoyos began and performed 63 minutes for Barcelona in a 1-0 loss at Orense. In Brazil, Johnny Cardoso didn’t get off the bench for Internacional in a 4-2 win over Fluminense. In Chile, Mattias Fracchia performed the ultimate 14 minutes for O’Higgins in a 2-1 loss to Deportivo Antofagasta. In Peru, Ernest Nungary performed the total 90 for Sport Boys in a 2-0 win over Universidad San Martin.

In Argentina’s Primera, each Sonora brothers earned the beginning for his or her respective golf equipment. Joel Sonora began and performed 65 minutes for Banfield in a 2-0 loss to Argentinos Juniors on Saturday. Alan Sonora, in the meantime, began and performed the total 90 for Independiente in a 2-1 away win over Rosario Central. It was a optimistic efficiency from the youthful Sonora brother to get a begin for Independiente and carry out nicely within the win over a relegation battling workforce. Sonora has but to lock down a beginning and even common sub function for Independiente however this efficiency might open that door.