Sergino Dest’s return and Alex Freeman’s late breakthrough give Pochettino welcome depth at right-back, even as Christian Pulisic’s Milan woes persist. Gianluca Busio celebrated promotion with Venezia and Folarin Balogun kept Monaco’s European hopes alive — a weekend of contrasting momentum for Americans across Europe’s top leagues.
Mixed fortunes for USMNT players in Europe
Sergino Dest’s comeback, Alex Freeman’s emergence and Joe Scally’s steady minutes ease U.S. defensive concerns ahead of major tournaments, while Christian Pulisic’s struggles at AC Milan underline a pressing form problem. Meanwhile, Gianluca Busio’s key role in Venezia’s promotion and Folarin Balogun’s scoring for Monaco offered positive headlines.
Right-back depth improves as Sergino Dest returns
Sergino Dest returned from injury during PSV’s 2-2 draw with Ajax, offering Mauricio Pochettino reassurance at right-back. Alex Freeman’s late breakthrough at Villarreal — after an impactful international cameo — adds another option.
Joe Scally and Tim Weah have been delivering club minutes, with Scally a near-regular at Borussia Mönchengladbach and Weah used more often at right-back for Marseille this season. That cover allows the USMNT to consider multiple tactical setups, whether wing-backs or a back four, without a single weak link at the position.
Why it matters
Depth at right-back removes a potential headache for selection and tactics. Pochettino can prioritize form and system fit instead of scrambling for solutions, increasing tactical flexibility going into major competitions.
Christian Pulisic benched as Milan falter
Christian Pulisic was left on the bench against Sassuolo, coming on late as Milan fell 2-0 after a red card disrupted the game. His substitute appearance yielded one chance created and an on-target shot, but it was insufficient to change the result. AC Milan’s slide — and Pulisic’s limited influence when introduced — raise genuine questions about his role and confidence at the club.
What this signals
Pulisic’s situation now demands tangible improvement rather than patient optimism. Milan need productivity from their attacking stocks; Pulisic must convert minutes into clear impact to reclaim a starring role.
Gianluca Busio drives Venezia back to Serie A
Gianluca Busio has been a near-automatic starter for Venezia, featuring in 36 of 37 league games and contributing seven goals and three assists as the club secured automatic promotion with a draw at Spezia. Busio’s consistency and goal return mark him out as an emerging American influence in Italy’s second tier.
Implications for Busio and Venezia
Promotion elevates Busio’s profile and tests his ability against higher-level competition. Venezia will lean on his creativity and goal contributions to survive and establish themselves in Serie A.
Folarin Balogun returns to scoring form for Monaco
Folarin Balogun snapped a brief drought by netting Monaco’s opener in a 2-1 win at Metz, his 13th Ligue 1 goal of the season. That strike keeps Monaco in the mix for European qualification and highlights Balogun’s reliability in the final third.
Why Monaco benefit
Balogun’s consistent scoring gives Monaco a focal point in attack and maintains momentum in a tight race for continental spots. His form will be crucial if Monaco are to secure Europe.
European ties and upcoming fixtures to watch
Johnny Cardoso and Atlético Madrid head to Arsenal with their Champions League semi-final finely balanced after a 1-1 first leg. Cardoso’s role could be pivotal if Diego Simeone opts for rotation. Crystal Palace host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Europa Conference League semi-final second leg, where Chris Richards should figure prominently after being rested in the league. Leeds, with Brenden Aaronson, face Tottenham next week — a match that will test Leeds’ recent resilience and Aaronson’s influence in midfield.
What to expect next
These fixtures offer significant minutes for USMNT players and could shape club momentum heading into the summer. Performances in Europe’s big moments will influence club futures and national-team considerations.
Bottom line
The weekend underlined a split narrative: improving positional depth and rising contributors like Busio and Balogun versus worrying form at marquee clubs, epitomized by Pulisic’s struggles.
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For the USMNT, the key takeaway is clearer roster options and a reminder that elite players must consistently deliver to keep their status.
Theathleticuk
