Soccer Chatter

posted by Laley23

He will have competition every year at a club like Juve, but I doubt they are spending money on a 21 year old just to loan him elsewhere/not give him a shot. If that was the case, they’d simply wait until he proved himself for another year or 2 and sign him then.

McKennie had some tremendous stretches for Shalke. Granted they weren’t very good, but he was the best player on both sides in a few of his UCL and Bundesliga games.

McKennie is also just on a loan right now, and 3 million euros isn't a bad loan. Option to buy is at 18 million euros.

Odds are, Juve will make up a decent amount of that loan just in jersey sales.

Konrad — and I cant figure out how this has gone un-reported/unnoticed in America — just played for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona. Made his 1st team debut today at 19, and actually scored, but was ruled offside by inches. 

I’m hard pressed off the top of my head to think of an American playing for a bigger club, ever. ManU and Chelsea are big, but not quite Barca big.

posted by Laley23

Konrad — and I cant figure out how this has gone un-reported/unnoticed in America — just played for one of the biggest clubs in the world, Barcelona. Made his 1st team debut today at 19, and actually scored, but was ruled offside by inches. 

I’m hard pressed off the top of my head to think of an American playing for a bigger club, ever. ManU and Chelsea are big, but not quite Barca big.

Was this kid one of the guys you mentioned previously regarding young US talent?  

So many 21U guys coming up for the US. Cautiously optimistic.

posted by like_that

Was this kid one of the guys you mentioned previously regarding young US talent?  

So many 21U guys coming up for the US. Cautiously optimistic.

McKennie balled out in his first game and start for Juve. Played all 90’ and was a beast in midfield. 

Reyna scores for Dortmund, his first Bundesliga goal. 

Richards gets in for a cameo in Bayern’s 8-0 win, but nice to see him as a sub in their first game of the year. 

Pulisic out injured still for Chelsea, or it could’ve been an even better weekend for Americans at the biggest clubs. 

Sergino Dest, who about a year ago chose the USMNT over Netherlands, is in a bidding war with Bayern and Barcelona. Pretty remarkable for the 19 year old.

posted by Laley23

Sergino Dest, who about a year ago chose the USMNT over Netherlands, is in a bidding war with Bayern and Barcelona. Pretty remarkable for the 19 year old.

I thought Bayern won the bidding war?

posted by like_that

I thought Bayern won the bidding war?

posted by Laley23
Not yet, and it’s looking like Barcelona has the upper hand. They just had to clear out some money and with Suarez and Samedo deals now done, they have enough. 

I can't wrap my head around the fact that Barcelona could have two contributing Americans as a part of their XI someday. 

posted by like_that

I can't wrap my head around the fact that Barcelona could have two contributing Americans as a part of their XI someday. 

I know. And seems official now. Barca offloading some guys with haste to get the funds available, and then spending €25M...Dest is gonna have ample opportunities to actually play. Pretty incredible. 

Another 19 year old to Europe 

BREAKING: The Philadelphia Union and RB Salzburg have reached a verbal agreement over the transfer of Brenden Aaronson, sources tell https://t.co/QqWAi38GbI.

Aaronson will stay with the Union through 2020 season. Not done yet. Still needs to do a medical + finalize small details

— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) September 23, 2020

So, Sergiño Dest has been one of Barcelona’s best players since joining. Pretty remarkable. Arguably their top defender at this point. Not as good going forward, but playing for Barca, it won’t be long before he masters that.

Hoping McKennie is fit enough after COVID to play today for Juve. Would be awesome to see those 2 go at it on the biggest stage in club soccer. 

Reyna has been be of Dortmund’s top players as well, and without looking it up, I’d venture to say towards the top in assists in Europe’s top leagues.

Pulisic has been hurt, but made his return in the 0-0 draw vs ManU. Got the start, but didn’t go 90. Same with Adams, but didn’t miss as much time. In and out of the starting lineup for Leipzig, but regular playing time.

Richards with some cameos for Bayern. Konrad back to Barca B. Both expected.

Yunus Musah, 17 year older for Valencia by way of Arsenal, has chosen USMNT over England (and Italy/Ghana). Huge, huge get for Berhalter.

Lots of upcoming talent we just need a true goal scorer to round them out.

posted by sportchampps

Lots of upcoming talent we just need a true goal scorer to round them out.

Soto not choosing Chile (still up in the air for Chile and USMNT) gives hope it could be him. Sargent still has time, but he hasn’t had a goal scoring spree you’d hope for yet, despite regular playing time for Bremen.

We need to get Soto in a game ASAP and Cap him at the senior level

posted by sportchampps

We need to get Soto in a game ASAP and Cap him at the senior level

Unfortunately we don’t have any games to do so for quite some time. But he did turn down Chile for WCQs, so the mutual interest must be there.

EDIT: Soto tweeting out how excited he is for the friendlies this month, so that’s a positive.

Anyone watch the game vs Wales today?

I followed along online, didn’t seem like they did much. Glad they are going young tho 

posted by iclfan2

I followed along online, didn’t seem like they did much. Glad they are going young tho 

They dont have a true #9 at the moment. Soto I think is the best chance (and mayeb have to go Altidore until hes ready). Sargent has a shot also. 

But, overall, our midfield is gonna be a force moving forward. Mousa was outstanding. Adams is Adams and McKennie is McKennie. Just workhorses that are great on the ball and winning it back. Dest is tremendous.