Just five days after enduring a difficult performance with Coventry City, Haji Wright got back on track for the Sky Blues this past weekend.
Wright scored twice on Saturday despite the Sky Blues suffering a 3-2 road loss to Preston North End. The veteran forward earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors after responding in a major way for Mark Robins’ squad.
Wright’s pair of tap-ins were crucial in Coventry City staying alive until final whistle during Saturday’s trip to Deepdale. The 25-year-old missed several key opportunities during Monday’s 2-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion, but showed a short memory on Saturday.
Wright, who became Coventry’s club-record signing this past summer, now has four goals and two assists in 15 league appearances. Although the results haven’t gone the way that Robins and the Coventry players would’ve wanted, Wright’s improvement can certainly provide a spark in turning things around.
Coventry City next hosts Stoke City on Nov. 11 before entering the November FIFA international break.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Jordan Pefok
Jordan Pefok’s weekend might have ended on a sour note, but overall the striker delivered his best week yet at Borussia Monchengladbach.
Pefok scored three goals in two appearances for Gerardo Seoane’s squad, which featured a brace against Heidenheim in a 3-1 German Cup victory and a solo goal in a 3-3 Bundesliga draw with Freiburg.
The Union Berlin loanee left Saturday’s match with an apparent injury. Pefok’s positive run of form will be a key loss if he is set for a long-term spell on the sidelines.
Alex Zendejas
Another week, another Alex Zendejas goal.
Zendejas started, scored one goal, and played 90 minutes as Club America claimed a 3-0 Liga MX win over Club Tijuana. The 25-year-old now has a goal or assist in five of his last six appearances for the Clausura winners.
Zendejas has been crucial to Club America sealing the title and will seek a strong ending to his schedule this coming week against Tigres.
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie stepped in for the injured Tim Weah and delivered a solid shift in Juventus’ road victory on Sunday.
McKennie shined for 90 minutes as the Old Lady defeated Fiorentina 1-0 away from home, staying in touching distance of first place in Serie A. The veteran midfielder won eight duels and made eight clearances, showing off his versatility once again in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.
Kevin Paredes
Marco Rose rewarded Kevin Paredes with another start for Wolfsburg and the American attacker responded with his second goal for the club.
Paredes scored for the second-straight match against Werder Bremen, helping Wolfsburg earn a 2-2 Bundesliga draw. The 20-year-old logged a strong 84 minutes from his left midfield role, drawing four fouls and winning eight of 15 duels as well.
An impactful performance will only lead to more opportunities for Paredes going forward.
What did you think of these individual performances this weekend? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.
Good to see another wing option finally materializing with Paredes. I know both Tillman and Ryena can play on the wing, but both are better in that CAM role.
Paredes is developing really well at Wolfsburg.