Daryl Dike has searched for any type of momentum to get back to his best with West Bromwich Albion, and after earning the nod on Saturday against Middlesbrough, the American striker walked away with a major confidence boost.
Dike scored twice in Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough, keeping the Baggies in the hunt for a promotion playoff spot this season. The U.S. men’s national team striker earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors after notching his first brace of the league campaign.
Dike needed only 10 minutes at the Hawthorns to propel West Brom into a comfortable position, scoring in the eighth and 10th minutes respectively. His close-range finishing was on display as Dike got the better of USMNT teammate Zack Steffen on both occasions.
The 22-year-old also won eight of his 12 duels and drew two fouls, delivering a Man of the Match performance in Carlos Corberan’s squad. Dike has five opportunities in March to add to his confidence as West Brom face only one top-half team during that span (Sheffield United).
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from the past week:
Ricardo Pepi
FC Groningen earned four points out of a possible six in the last week as Ricardo Pepi scored in both of the Eredivisie side’s matches.
Pepi helped FC Groningen earn a 1-1 draw with FC Emmen last weekend before scoring the second goal in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Excelsior. The Augsburg loanee now has 10 goals and three assists in all competitions in the Netherlands, continuing to be the club’s top goalscoring threat during a highly-frustrating overall season for FC Groningen.
Pepi’s impressive loan spell could also have him on the USMNT’s radar for March’s Concacaf Nations League matches.
Antonee Robinson
Fulham fought back to earn one point on Friday as Antonee Robinson assisted in a 1-1 draw with Wolves.
The USMNT left back set up Manor Salomon for the tying goal at Craven Cottage as Marco Silva’s squad stayed in the top six on 39 points. Robinson also won three duels, drew one foul, and made nine recoveries as he continues his impressive campaign for the London-based club.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Celtic lifted one of a possible three trophies this season with Cameron Carter-Vickers excelling in Sunday’s Scottish League Cup Finals triumph over Rangers.
Carter-Vickers logged 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory at Hampden Park, giving Ange Postecoglou’s squad their latest trophy in club history. The USMNT defender’s crucial block in the first half denied Rangers from finding an opening goal before Carter-Vickers watched as Kyogo Furuhashi scored twice to set Celtic on its way.
Carter-Vickers has been one of the top defenders in Scotland this season and will be on the radar of several clubs for a potential transfer this summer.
Mark McKenzie
Belgian side Genk stayed 10 points clear of Union St. Gilloise in the league title race this past weekend with Mark McKenzie excelling in a 3-0 win over Oostende.
The 24-year-old won eight of his 17 duels, making 16 recoveries, and two clearances as Wouter Vrancken’s squad continued to roll on this season. McKenzie has been stellar for the league-leaders this season and will have seven additional opportunities to help Genk lock down a first league title since 2018-19.
What did you think of the top Americans Abroad performances this past week? Who impressed you the most? Who didn’t make the list that you feel deserved a mention?
Share your thoughts below.
Celtic is the only team that were willing to put their money where there mouth is.
They bought CCV and gave him a job. He has repaid them by playing well.
The reality is Celtic ARE CCV’s level. If you can do the job then your level is defined by whoever is wiling to let you play for them.
If Pep and Man City buy CCV and he plays for them , then that is his level.
Celtic may be “below” CCV’s level but at least he is playing every game. I hope he doesn’t go somewhere where he ends up on the bench or gets loaned out again.