We are ranking the Top 15 best American (USMNT) soccer players to watch in Europe in the 2021/2022 soccer season.

American soccer players have continued to make waves across the top five European soccer leagues in the last couple of seasons.

 

 

Top 10 best American soccer players in Europe 2023

 

1. Christian Pulisic

[Chelsea FC, Premier League – England]

 

Christian Pulisic formed a major part of Chelsea’s UEFA Champions League-winning squad.

 

Since Thomas Tuchel was Chelsea manager, Pulisic has faced some issues with competition.

 

However, it does not rule out the fact that Christian Pulisic remains one of Chelsea best players on the field of play.

 

The 22-year old attacking midfielder is always in the spotlight, even as Thomas Tuchel had constantly outlined his plans for the young American.

 

 

Pulisic moved from German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in 2016, where he played over 81 times and scored ten goals for the German club.

 

However, it was time to seek a new challenge when the London blue came calling for his services.

 

Initially remained on loan at Dortmund, Pulisic returned to Chelsea and began to play as an attacking midfielder in 2019.

 

With success achieved during the 2020/2021 season, would Christian Pulisic return to the same level even as the competition at Chelsea continue to grow?

 

Thomas Tuchel believes in the player’s ability and is prepared to give more opportunities for him to shine.

 

Labelled “Captain America“, Pulisic stole the hearts of Chelsea fans with his high level of consistency.

 

Towards the end of the 2020/2021 campaign, the 22-year old contributed a lot to Chelsea’s high scoring form.

 

Pulisic was on a double as Chelsea ousted Crystal Palace 4–1 victory at Selhurst Park.

 

In the UEFA Champions League on April 27, Pulisic was on target for Chelsea as the blues drew 1–1 on the road against Real Madrid at the Estadio Santiago.

 

On May 29, Christian Pulisic consistency was finally rewarded with a Champions League title, with Chelsea following a 1–0 win against Manchester City in the final.

 

Winning the Champions League, Pulisic became the first American to play in a UEFA Champions League Final.

 

More is expected from Christian Pulisic as the 2021/2022 season.

 

Chelsea would compete in the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League, FA Cup and EFL League.

 

2. Giovanni Reyna

[Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga – Germany]

Perhaps Giovanni Reyna could be regarded as the fastest-growing American professional soccer player in Europe.

 

Born Giovanni Alejandro Reyna, the 18-year old American professional soccer player plays for Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga.

 

Reyna had his breakthrough season with the club in 2020 when he came on as a substitute in Borussia Dortmund’s win over FC Augsburg.

 

He was only 17, breaking the American record as the youngest American soccer player to feature in the Bundesliga after Christian Pulisic, who played for Dortmund before departing for Chelsea.

 

He became a sensation after scoring a surprise goal that could not help Dortmund defeat SV Werder Bremen.

 

For the 2020/2021 season, Giovanni Reyna lifted his first-ever major Bundesliga trophy as BVB edged RB Leipzig to the DFB Pokal.

 

Reyna also contributed to Borussia Dortmund’s heavy win over RB Leipzig in the DFB Pokal.

 

For Reyna, it was another record-breaking achievement, becoming the first American soccer player to ever appear in a European domestic cup final tie.

 

For the 2021/2022 season, new Dortmund coach Marco Rose had already placed Giovanni Reyna in his first team.

 

Reyna is the mainstay of coach Marco Rose squad even as Dortmund eyes Bayern Munich scalp amid the club’s nine-year dominance.

 

Giovanni Reyna, along with Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, Thorgan Hazard, Marco Reus, Donyell Malen, is expected to challenge Bayern Munich.

 

3. Zack Steffen

[Manchester City, Premier League – England]

Although it seems complicated to claim the number shirt at Manchester City due to Ederson Moraes presence, there’s still an opportunity for the American.

 

Zack Steffen is a talented goalkeeper currently under the shadows of a second choice in the Premier League.

 

Born Zackary Thomas Steffen, the 26-year old goalkeeper, is currently America’s top goalkeeper capable of leading the backline if given the opportunity.

 

Steffen was initially in the books of SC Freiburg in the German Bundesliga before returning home to team up with Columbus Crew SC in the Major League Soccer.

 

A return to Europe after Manchester City coughed out over $7 million. He stayed back in the MLS before returning to the Etihad.

 

Staying on loan Fortuna Düsseldorf for the 2019–20 season, the American played a vital role at the club.

 

Ahead of 2020–21, Steffen’s loan spell ended, and he was registered for the English Premier League.

 

His full Manchester City debut came when Pep Guardiola brought him against AFC Bournemouth in the League Cup third round, which ended 2–1 at the Etihad Stadium in favour of the Cityzens.

 

Steffen has won the Premier League with Manchester City.

 

He also kept a clean sheet for Manchester City in an EFL Cup final win over Tottenham Hotspur on April 25, 2021.

 

Steffen is expected to fight for first place in a goal amid Pep Guardiola’s position on Ederson Moraes as the first choice.

 

Zack Steffen and Manchester City will compete in the Premier League, EFL League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League.

 

4. Chris Richards

[Bayern Munich, Bundesliga – Germany]

Chris Richards is currently one of Bayern Munich young players expected to break into the first team.

 

The American youngster was handed an opportunity to play alongside the professionals when Hansi Flick was in charge.

 

Born Christopher Jeffrey Richards, he broke into the first team and became one of the most preferred, although he was brought on as a substitute in most cases.

 

At age 21, Chris Richards have won the UEFA Super Cup and the DFL Supercup with Bayern Munich.

 

Playing for FC Dallas of the Major League Soccer, Richards was signed by Bayern Munich after successful trials.

 

In February 2021, Richards was loaned to Bundesliga neighbours  Hoffenheim.

 

For the 2021/2022 season, Chris Richards remains at Bayern Munich.

 

The young defender is expected to fight for a place in Julian Nagglesman’s squad team.

 

5. Weston McKennie

[Juventus, Série A – Italy]

Weston Mckennie is a versatile attacking midfielder and one of the top players to watch in Europe.

 

The young American soccer player is currently one of the most sought after in Europe despite his current contract with Juventus.

 

Moving to Schalke 04 and establishing himself as a major force in the middle of the park, Weston was courted by big clubs across the European continent.

 

The 23-year old, who is capable of playing in midfield mainly as a box-to-box or as a deep-lying defensive midfielder, made Juventus consider a move for his services.

 

Moving to Juventus initially on loan from Schalke 04, Mckennie took the Série A by storm with an excellent performance in all competitions he featured for the club.

 

One of the major contributions he made at Juventus was a goal against AC Milan in the Série A on January 6, 2021.

 

The goal scored against Milan on the road started Milan’s poor form at the top of the table, which led to the team’s surrender of the league title.

 

Throughout the 2020/2021 season, Weston Mckennie was on fine form for Juventus.

 

For the 2021/2022 season, Juventus hopes the young American to continue with his current form.

 

He is currently considered one of the best box-to-box midfielders in Europe.

 

Weston Mckennie is expected to continue with his excellent form this season.

 

For USMNT, the team hopes his brilliance as the United States eye a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

 

6. Matthew Hoppe

[RCD Mallorca, La Liga – Spain]

 

Matthew Timothy from Schalke 04 faithful to an internationally recognised star.

 

The young American soccer player currently plays as a forward for La Liga side RCD Mallorca.

 

Hoppe, who moved from Barça Residency Academy Academy in 2019 to Schalke 04, was already in the club’s books before the unexpected relegation to the second division.

 

As he debuted for Schalke 04 against Borussia Mönchengladbach in the Bundesliga, Mathew scored a hat-trick.

 

Making a statement with his first hat-trick, Hoppe became the first American soccer player to score a hat-trick in the Bundesliga.

 

This distinctive form earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Month for January 2021.

 

For the 2021/2022 season, Matthew Hoppe has already started like a house on fire.

 

He is currently linked with some Premier League clubs as the transfer rumours circulate in Europe.

 

7. Sergiño Dest

[FC Barcelona, La Liga – Spain]

Sergiño Dest is a promising young full-back who plays for La Liga club FC Barcelona.

 

The 20-year old has moved from an observer to a more stable defender at FC Barcelona since moving from The Netherlands to Spain.

 

Dest had his international recognition with AFC Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie.

 

His performance helped Ajax progress to the knocked stages of the UEFA Champions League.

 

For Barcelona, it was an opportunity to shop for a young talent who could confidently replace the already ageing backline.

 

Dest signed for FC Barcelona for an initial €21 million fee.

 

He later went on to sign a five-year deal that had a buyout clause set at €400 million.

 

Debuting for Barcelona, Sergiño Dest became the first American Soccer player in history to feature in an El Clásico, which ended on a sad, not as Real Madrid ran away with a 1–3.

 

During the game, Dest had an outstanding performance which attracted the media hype and praise.

 

Although the arrival of Ronald Koeman seems to have shifted attention to Emerson Royal, Sergiño Dest still holds a major position in the full-back position at FC Barcelona.

 

Sergiño Dest and his teammates would have to put up a great fight to challenge the Spanish La Liga title against Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla, Valencia, etc.

 

Dest will participate in the UEFA Champions League, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, and La Liga Santander this season.

 

8. Tyler Adams

[RB Leipzig, Bundesliga – Germany]

Tyler Adams plays for RB Leipzig and is currently stronghold under Jesse Marsch.

 

After seizing the top three in the last three seasons, RB Leipzig has finally decided to challenge the Bundesliga title amid Bayern Munich dominance.

 

For Tyler Adams, it was an opportunity to further redeem himself under a new manager and compatriot, Jesse Marsch, who was appointed following Julian Nagglesman’s departure.

 

Adams was in the books of New York Red Bulls in the Major League Soccer, where he was identified through the New York Red Bulls reserve team in the USL Championship.

 

Adams was quickly drafted into the professional side, making his debut for New York Red Bulls in a loss to New England Revolution.

 

He became a starter and enjoyed his first team in 2017.

 

He made his mark when New York Red Bulls cruised to a 3–1 victory over Mexican Liga MX outfit Club Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League.

 

At Leipzig, he was on the sidelines for a lengthy period before returning to full fitness.

 

With the appointment of Jesse Marsch,  Tyler Adams has been able to hold his ground as the most preferred in the defence.

 

For RB Leipzig, the club wants to challenge for the title and Jesse Marsch is expected to help the club achieve this dream.

 

9. Timothy Chandler

[Eintracht Frankfurt, Bundesliga – Germany]

 

Timothy Chandler is no novice when it comes to soccer in the Bundesliga. The veteran currently represents the best American soccer players in Europe.

 

Timothy Chandler, currently in the books of Eintracht Frankfurt, had an outstanding performance last campaign.

 

The 31-year old right-back has played all his years as a professional soccer player in the Bundesliga.

 

He began with Eintracht Frankfurt II and switched to 1. FC Nürnberg II eventually represented the main team with over 95 appearances and scoring four goals.

 

10. Brenden Aaronson

[RB Salzburg, Austria Bundesliga – Austria]

Brenden Aaronson has quickly established himself as one of the major forces in the attack for RB Salzburg.

 

Aaronson was scouted from the Philadelphia Union Academy by Bethlehem Steel, where he had over 21 appearances for the club.

 

Returning to his youth club Philadelphia Union after a year at Bethlehem Steel, he could play as both playmaker and a left-sided box-to-box midfielder.

 

In his first season for Philadelphia Union, he was outstanding and was voted as one of the best young players of the Major League Soccer in 2019.

 

In January 2021, Aaronson moved to Europe with Red Bull Salzburg as the leading destination.

 

Came in as a substitute, Brenden Aaronson won his first match in Europe in Red Bull Salzburg defeat of Rheindorf Altach.

 

The 22-year old American professional soccer player won the Austrian Bundesliga in his first season (2020–21) with Austrian Cup (2020–21).

 

Aaronson is one of the top American soccer players to watch in Europe.

 

For the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League season, Aaronson and Salzburg are expected to stake a claim in the competition.

 

11. John Brooks

[VfL Wolfsburg, Bundesliga – Germany]

John Brooks’s contributions helped VfL Wolfsburg return to the UEFA Champions League.

 

The American soccer player who has been with the club since 2017 had one of his best seasons last season.

 

As Wolfsburg prepare for the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League campaign, Brooks is expected to retain his place in the first team.

 

12. Yunus Musah

[Valencia CF, La Liga – Spain]

Yunus Musah is a young versatile midfielder.

 

Although he plays mainly as a right-winger, he can also play as a central midfielder.

 

Born Yunus Dimoara Musah currently plays for Valencia CF in the Spanish La Liga.

 

Musah was in the books of Arsenal FC Academy before departing for Valencia CF.

 

He made his debut for Valencia CF B on September 15, 2019.

 

The arrival of Javi Gracia paved the way for Musah, who was handed an opportunity to become a regular in the first team.

 

Although injuries had prevented him from playing regularly, Yunus Musah future at valence promises to be bigger.

 

Musah is one of the top American soccer players to watch in Europe. He is expected to help Valencia CF in the club’s quest to finish on a high note.

 

13. Josh Sargent

[Norwich City, Premier League – England]

One of the finest America Soccer players in Europe, Josh Sargent, has continued to fly the American flag higher in the English Premier League.

 

Born Joshua Thomas Sargent, he was one of the best performing players in the second Bundesliga side SV Werder Bremen.

 

The bid from the newly-promoted Premier League club Norwich City was an opportunity for the youngster to experience English Premier League soccer.

 

In the Yellow Canaries, Josh Sargent’s high expectations were cut short as Liverpool FC hammered his side Norwich City in Premier League opener, which was also his debut game.

 

Sargent, however, justified his signing after scoring the first two goals for Norwich City against EFL Championship side AFC Bournemouth in the League Cup.

 

 

13. DeAndre Yedlin

[Galatasaray SK, Super Lig – Turkey]

Used to be in the books of Newcastle United, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur, Yedlin currently plays for Galatasaray SK.

 

The right-back played most of his career at Newcastle United in the Premier League. In total, he had over 112 appearances with three goals.

 

Moving to the Turkish Super Lig in 2021, Yedlin quickly established himself as a defensive stronghold.

 

14. Jordan Siebatcheu

[BSC Young Boys, Super League – Switzerland]

Born Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu Pefok, the BSC Young Boys striker, is currently one of the most prolific American soccer players in Europe.

 

After wrapping up his three-year stint at French Ligue 1 side Rennes where he stayed most of it on loan at Young Boys, the American finally signed for the Swiss club permanently.

 

From 2020–202, Jordan Siebatcheu, during his loan stay at Young Boys, scored twelve goals in over 32 appearances which helped the club win the 2020/2021 Swiss Super League.

 

Qualification for the UEFA Champions League group stages, Young Boys represents Switzerland with Jordan Siebatcheu as the vital man upfront.

 

15. Mark McKenzie

[KRC Genk, First Division A – Belgium]

Born Mark Alexander McKenzie, currently plays for Belgium First Division A side KRC Genk.

 

Moving from Bethlehem Steel to Philadelphia Union following his breakthrough season in the Major League soccer, Mark signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Genk.

His first campaign was successful as Genk won the Belgium Cup.