Yunus Musah got off to a slow start at Serie A side AC Milan, but after gradually earning more minutes this fall, the American midfielder heads into U.S. men’s national team camp thriving.

Musah is with the USMNT ahead of upcoming October friendlies against Germany and Ghana over the next week. The 20-year-old is coming off back-to-back starts for Stefano Pioli’s men in European and domestic action, his first consecutive 90-minute performances since joining from La Liga side Valencia.

After rotating from the starting lineup and bench in mid-September, Musah is quickly growing into a key player for the Serie A title chasers.

“I knew I had to be patient when I got there, and then, all of a sudden, things happen really fast where all of a sudden I was coming on for more minutes and then I was starting in different roles and getting confidence from the manager, the fans, the team,” Musah said Tuesday in a press conference with reporters.

“Things went really fast and I started starting a few games and I can’t say that it’s not been ideal,” he added. “This is so fun, to be playing so many games and now getting game time, winning games. Yeah, it’s been a very fun process. I’m enjoying being at the club.”

Musah made his UEFA Champions League debut earlier this month, logging 90 minutes in Milan’s goal-less draw with Borussia Dortmund. He followed that up by registering the game-winning assist in Milan’s 1-0 road victory over Genoa, a goal scored by fellow USMNT teammate Christian Pulisic.

AC Milan has only lost one of its opening eight Serie A matches this season, sitting top of the league table on 21 points, two ahead of rivals Inter Milan. Pioli has certainly witnessed a fast start from both Pulisic and Musah this season, both of whom who only joined the club this past summer.

“I feel like every player will agree, you want to come in, starting games all the time, scoring goals, and just shining at the beginning,” Musah said. “I had to be patient. I thought I’d have to be even more patient than I’ve been. I didn’t expect to be starting so many games right now, to be honest with you.

“With patience, things come and I’m happy that things came quickly,” he added. “The manager has been helping me a lot as well. He’s helping me adapt to the system, the different roles and ultimately helping me to become a better player. That’s one of the ultimate goals.”

Musah’s versatility has been on display during the early stages of the European season, featuring as a midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation, and even as a right wing back in a 3-4-3. Although things could still change for Musah at club level, his USMNT role remains in midfield, especially with captain Tyler Adams remaining sidelined through injury.

With a new opportunity at club level in front of him, Musah can use it as a developmental tool to take with him into his future opportunities with the USMNT.

“When you’re receiving the ball deeper and you’re constructing and starting the build-up, I feel like it’s an area of the field that’s delicate,” Musah said. “You have to try and play simple. I have to simplify my game and try and play simple, one-two touch.

“You’re not in the pockets as you are when you’re playing higher so you’re close to goal and you’re trying to play simple, one or two touch and you feel people pressing you from behind,” he added. “Defensively, also, it’s more of a role where you’re not pressing high because you’re not as high up the field but you’re closing lines, helping the centerbacks, things like that.”