After waiting months for his first competitive minutes for Werder Bremen, Josh Sargent finally made his Bundesliga debut, and he made a good case for more minutes.
The 18-year-old American forward scored just two minutes into his debut, on his first shot, heading home a loose ball in the 78th-minute of Werder Bremen’s 3-1 win against Fortuna Dusseldorf on Friday.
Sargent’s headed goal from close range doubled Bremen’s lead and sparked a celebration as his teammates congratulated him on his first professional goal.
Martin Harnik got his foot on the end of a Davy Klaassen cross which was saved by the Dusseldorf goalkeeper. An unmarked Sargent raced in on goal to head home the loose ball from point-blank range for the easy, but still significant goal.
WELCOME TO THE BUNDESLIGA JOSH SARGENT!
Only 2 minutes into his Bundesliga Debut he finds the back of the net with his very first touch ππΊπΈ pic.twitter.com/0YYIbmog5Q
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 7, 2018
Sargent became the quickest player to score on their Werder Bremen debut as it took the 18-year-old just 82 seconds to leave his mark on the match.
Sargent joins a list of U.S. Men’s National Team players to score during this Bundesliga campaign. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Bobby Wood are among those to also score this season.
Werder Bremen’s victory moved them into 7th place in the Bundesliga.
Jordan Morris could have been on this level but decided to stay in Seattle. Smh
He could be the next McBride. We can only hope.
I think this is the kid to build the US future on. Not Wood and certainly not Jozy or Zardes. Yeah its only a garbage goal but he has always shown well at every phase. He should be a big part of GB plans moving forward.
No such thing as a garbage goal.. If he mishits it or his run/positioning is off then it doesnt happen.. This player has great instincts and seems to be alert and able to follow a play to its conclusion.. No, presence does not suddenly negate every other striker in the pool.. This is why you bring in a coach with a system and the ability to evaluate guys.. If Jozy is inform around the time of the next tournament – bring him into camp – same thing with Wood, Zardes or anyone who has shown well over time..
You tell your guys what you expect, you train them and you let them fight it out..
This guy is very talented, but he needs to be pushed to his his highest level as with the rest of the newer players..
No such thing as a garbage goal.. If he mishits it or his run/positioning is off then it doesnt happen.. This player has great instincts and seems to be alert and able to follow a play to its conclusion.. No, presence does not suddenly negate every other striker in the pool.. This is why you bring in a coach with a system and the ability to evaluate guys.. If Jozy is inform around the time of the next tournament – bring him into camp – same thing with Wood, Zardes or anyone who has shown well over time..
You tell your guys what you expect, you train them and you let them fight it out..
This guy is very talented, but he needs to be pushed to his his highest level as with the rest of the newer players..
He sure seems to have a striker’s “it”. Howwwwwwever. Hopefully our talent pool and we as fans have progressed beyond the notion that a nation’s hope can or should ever be placed on any one kid’s shoulders. Played well- it’s the quintessential team game. Let’s take an extreme example. IMHO- likely the biggest difference between Messi w/ Barcelona and Messi w/ Argentina isn’t talent, but the level of expectation placed on him within the program. Even that magician can’t carry a talented roster.
More young Americans are getting opportunities in the Bundesliga then in MLS now. Have to say Klinsmann was probably right by directing players away from MLS.
But put it in perspective, the Bundesliga is cherry picking our best….MLS cant compete with the money.
Well Barco was signed at 18 on a 15 million dollar transfer. So MLS appears to have the money for some young talent.
Also why is there such a gap between our top players who are ready for the Bunsdesliga and guys who can’t get minutes in a lesser league like MLS?
I love this kid! What is interesting to me is that Sargent doesn’t seem to have one killer attribute (shooting, speed, heading, etc). He just is always in the right spot. I think his first touch could be what sets him apart. Clearly he also sees and reacts to movement incredibly well, which is how he gets to the right spot so often. I’m not sure what his superpower is, but I’ll enjoy debating this while we are riding on the hype train! CHOO CHOO!!
This guy..
Probably the best individual US prospect skill in a fantastic situation with Bremen..
Vision, footwork, quickness and what appears to be fearlessness from the centerline on..
As it stands, there are many others in the pool with immense amounts of talent and what appears to be oppurtunity in high level situations..
Lets hope the adjustment period to top flight is smooth enough to see this player’s talent shine through..
Very good young striker
CONGRATULATIONS JOSH SARGENT…..hope this is a start to many better things to come!!!!!!