GOAL reviews key takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including another huge performance by the Fulham star
It was the final weekend of 2024, capping a wild and unpredictable year of American soccer. Injuries sidelined several stars but, even without them, the closing weekend was something of a high for the U.S. men's national team's players abroad.
Antonee Robinson has been the story in the final months of 2024, and that fittingly continued Sunday. Another week, another assist for the Fulham star – and let's be honest, he may not be a Fulham star for much longer with such performances. Robinson is in the same company as Christian Pulisic as the best USMNT star in Europe at the moment, which really is saying something, isn't it?
Others played well, too. Robinson wasn't even the only USMNT left-back to create a goal this weekend, as surprising as that is. The other was Kristoffer Lund, although Weston McKennie made his mark in that position, too. Weirdly enough, it was a weekend of left-backs as we get ready to leave 2024 behind.
Elsewhere, Brenden Aaronson was the guy. His massive goal for Leeds could be one we look back on in six months as they push for promotion to the Premier League.
A new year is coming and with it a transfer window and potential shakeups. Who knows how things will look even next week. But as the book closes on 2024, it'll be Robinson who remains the headliner heading into what could be a career-changing 2025. GOAL looks at key takeaways from Americans Abroad.
Getty Images SportInjuries dampen holiday season
The weekend was particularly quiet for Americans Abroad. Winter break was a big reason, but injury absences have also made their mark on this holiday season.
Christian Pulisic is the major one, of course. The hope was that he could feature this weekend after recovering from a calf injury, but a late ankle setback ended those hopes. Now, Milan will have to wait on Pulisic, alongside teammate Yunus Musah, who is also out of action.
Juventus were missing Tim Weah, meanwhile. Tyler Adams didn't suit up for Bournemouth, ending the hopes of a showdown with Fulham and Robinson. Folarin Balogun, meanwhile, is a long-term injury absence, too.
It's tough for several USMNT stars at the moment. Injuries have arisen at rough time. Fortunately for the U.S., there are no meaningful national team games until March. But, even so, these absences have dampened the holiday season.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMore proof Robinson is the Premier League's best
Antonee Robinson has surely heard the talk and, more importantly, he's surely heard the hype. He's been dubbed the Premier League's best left-back, and he continues to provide evidence to that fact.
Sunday's proof came in the form of an assist, as he teed up Harry Wilson in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. It was his seventh assist of the season. Only Mohammed Salah and Bukayo Saka have more in the Premier League this season. Robinson is playing with the elite, and he's doing it from a position that very rarely gets attention.
Robinson has to be feeling that love now. He's being linked with big moves and – and he's earned it. He's also proven that he can produce at Fulham so, in that sense, it's a win-win for him and the USMNT. No matter where he is playing come February, there will be reason to be excited about everything going on with the fullback.
His consistency is unmatched. His passing has been fantastic. His defending has made the difference. Right now, Robinson is the man to watch, and he's proving it every time he takes the field.
Getty Images SportAaronson furthers Leeds' promotion push
Whatever confidence was lost over the last few years, Brenden Aaronson has rediscovered. Leeds were playing away from home and needing points to continue their promotion push. It was Aaronson who went out and got them.
The USMNT midfielder provided a great run and a better finish, sliding a shot into the back of the net in Leeds' 1-0 win over Derby County. With the win, Leeds go atop the Championship table and, in this sort of form, they may not be in the Championship for long.
Aaronson has been a big part of that success. He now has seven goals, good for second on the team behind only Joel Piroe. It's a huge haul given how much he struggled over the last few years. Speaking to GOAL this fall, Aaronson set a mission to score 15 goals. That's looking entirely attainable.
Getty ImagesAnother left-back steps up
Robinson wasn't the only USMNT left-back to stand out this weekend. Kristoffer Lund did his thing, too.
The defender isn't known as a goalscorer, but he found the back of the net in Serie B on Sunday to help Palermo earn a point against Citadella. The goal was his first of the campaign after scoring twice for Palermo last season.
Lund isn't going to threaten Robinson for his job any time soon. The Fulham star is far and away the best at the left-back position. That backup position, though, is still up for grabs, and it could be argued that Lund had fallen down the pecking order. He wasn't in November camp and there are several young stars – namely Caleb Wiley and John Tolkin – looking to make their own USMNT leap.
Scoring on Sunday won't hold them off, but it is a good step for Lund. He is just 22 – two months older than Tolkin. Lund is still an evolving player, one who is improving in Serie B. Because of that, he's one to keep an eye on on the road to 2026.
