USMNT Player Tracker: Dest returns, Balogun back in the goals but Pulisic struggles continue

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Pulisic’s struggles continue — it was another exciting weekend for Americans in Europe’s top leagues. Welcome to this week’s USMNT Player Tracker At one stage Pochettino could have been forgiven for having some slight concern over the right-back position ahead of this summer. In theory he has an abundance of interesting options: Sergino Dest, Tim Weah, Joe Scally and Alex Freeman among them. But earlier this year Dest was sidelined by another serious injury, and although the feeling was he would recover before the end of the season, there can never be any guarantees. Freeman, so impressive in the stand-out USMNT win over Uruguay in November, had moved to Villarreal in Spain during the winter window and struggled for minutes (not ideal to stay sharp ahead of a World Cup). It left only Weah, more a natural wide player or forward than full-back, and Scally playing regularly for their European clubs. Given Pochettino has chosen not to select Scally far more than he has used the 23-year-old, it prompted questions over how the roster might look come the World Cup. With satisfying timing, any worries are being eased now. Dest has indeed returned before the end of another glittering campaign for Eredivisie champions PSV, and came back to the field during the second half of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Ajax. In La Liga, Freeman has broken late into Villarreal’s first team at a stage when his impressive performances helped them seal Champions League qualification. It is timely momentum for the 21-year-old who scored twice in that win against Uruguay. Then there’s Scally, who got international game time against Paraguay, Belgium and Portugal more recently, and has been a near ever-present for Borussia Monchengladbach, just as Weah has played more often at right-back this term for Marseille than any other position. The USMNT manager has depth and cover whether he plays with wing-backs or a traditional back four. Things aren’t getting much better for Christian Pulisic in Italy. Despite AC Milan manager Max Allegri’s recent reassurances that the American would come good soon, it was another disappointing weekend for the team and their 27-year-old attacker. Allegri decided to leave Pulisic on the bench against Sassuolo on Sunday with Christopher Nkunku getting the nod to partner Rafael Leao in attack. But after 24 minutes the Rossoneri had Fikayo Tomori sent off, and with 10 men they slumped to a 2-0 defeat that allowed Weston McKennie’s Juventus (who later drew 1-1 with Hellas Verona) to move within two points of them in Serie A’s third place. Pulisic would eventually replace Wesley Fofana just before the hour mark, but in his time on the pitch he failed to really spark. He created one chance and had an effort on target, but by then Milan were already two behind. It was a far brighter weekend in Italy for Gianluca Busio and Venezia. The 23-year-old American midfielder has played an important role as his team secured promotion back to the Italian top flight this season. That return was confirmed on Friday with their 2-2 draw at Spezia meaning they were guaranteed a top-two finish and automatic promotion back to the big stage. A post shared by SERIE B (@serie.bkt) Busio has been a near-constant starter, selected in 36 of Venezia’s 37 league games and only missing one due to suspension. With seven goals and three assists he will now focus on trying to help the team finish top by winning their final game against Palermo on Friday. Folarin Balogun might have had his eight-game goal streak temporarily halted last weekend, but it didn’t deter him on Saturday. The USMNT striker, 24, was straight back on the scoresheet for Monaco, with his 13th Ligue 1 strike of the season, to help them to a 2-1 win at Metz which increased their chances of European qualification. The game was also notable for being former Juventus and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba’s first club start in three years. On Tuesday all eyes turn to the Champions League semi-finals. Johnny Cardoso and Atletico Madrid head to London with their tie finely balanced at 1-1 from the first leg against Arsenal. Cardoso was an unused sub for Diego Simeone’s side in their 2-0 win over Valencia on Saturday, but he started against the Gunners in Madrid so may yet have a big role to play tomorrow (3pm, Paramount +). Then on Thursday Crystal Palace have a chance to reach the Europa Conference League final. The Eagles won the first leg of their semi-final against Shakhtar Donetsk 3-1 and will be strong favorites to progress at Selhurst Park. USMNT defender Chris Richards was rested for Palace’s 3-0 loss at Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday, coming off the bench in the 76th minute, but should be back in contention for the crucial second leg (3pm, Paramount +). Finally stay tuned next Monday for a huge game in the Premier League involving Leeds and their U.S. midfielder Brenden Aaronson. The Yorkshire club are looking safe from relegation, but they face a rejuvenated Tottenham in North London for what should be a nail-bitting clash (3pm, Peacock Premium). Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms