Two-and-a-half-years since his last PSV goal, right back Richie Ledezma finally got to celebrate that feeling again on Friday.
Ledezma scored his first goal of the season as PSV rolled to a 6-1 Eredivisie victory over FC Twente. The 24-year-old earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors for his impactful showing in PSV’s latest win.
Ledezma had been mainly used as a substitute in recent weeks despite fighting to make the No. 1 right back job his in the early stages of the season. Peter Bosz rewarded Ledezma with a start on Friday and the U.S. men’s national team attacker did not let his manager down.
His top-shelf finish extended PSV’s lead to 5-1 at the time before the hosts eventually added a sixth and final goal later in the second half. Ledezma also won three duels, drew two fouls, and made two interceptions, logging a strong two-way shift in front of the home supporters.
Ledezma remains an option for the USMNT heading into 2025, but first will aim to continue racking up starts as PSV continues through multiple competitions.
“Amazing,” Ledezma said postmatch about scoring his first home goal for PSV. “Like I said, in front of the fans, I’ve been here so long, six years. It was an amazing feeling, and the atmosphere is always great here. We keep going and now we focus on the Champions League.”
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Antonee Robinson
Four points out of an available six helped Fulham remain in the Premier League’s Top-10.
Antonee Robinson was one of the top performers over the past week, logging 180 minutes in Marco Silva’s starting lineup. The USMNT left back has been influential on both ends of the field this season, something Silva will hope continues as Fulham’s busy league schedule continues.
Auston Trusty
Celtic’s quest to repeat as Scottish Premiership winners received another major boost following a pair of wins this week.
Auston Trusty started in a pair of victories against Aberdeen and Hibernian, moving Celtic nine points clear at the top of the table. Trusty hasn’t disappointed following his move from Sheffield United last summer, keeping a smile on Brendan Rodgers’ face this month.
Tyler Adams
Although he did not feature on Sunday, Tyler Adams did help Bournemouth to a crucial three points midweek.
Adams logged his best 90 minutes yet for the Cherries as Bournemouth defeated Tottenham 1-0. He won 10 of 18 duels, drew two fouls, made three interceptions, and six defensive recoveries.
Andoni Iraola will hope Adams can stay healthy as Bournemouth continues its impressive run in league play.
Ricardo Pepi
Another week, another goal for Ricardo Pepi.
Pepi scored his 11th goal of the season as PSV routed FC Twente 3-1 in Eredivisie play on Friday. The USMNT forward is likely set to head back to the bench for PSV’s Champions League trip to Stade Brest, but remains a top scoring threat going forward for the Dutch leaders.
What did you think of these individual performances this past week? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.
re “ledezma at RB,” people have short memories methinks. we already forgotten the “who is the RB sub” discussion from last window? or the fact while i like fossey he hasn’t been called by poch yet? or that scally periodically ships goals? or that dest has been out hurt months and we don’t know what’s returning from the “knee?”
to be real, while i like his offense i have no idea if he has the footspeed and natural gift for defense. but the idea the slot is locked down, on what planet? and even that’s neglecting smart teams develop their depth and prepare for contingencies.
IV,
What’s your point?
While Ledezma isn’t really a RB and with Dests imminent return its likely he wont get many minutes for PSV, hee has done some good things this season when given chances. He has also seen minutes in his more natural CM position. Do I think Ledezma is a RB? Not really, but this could give him a move elsewhere to prove himself. He has shown that he has versatility at RB, CM, and on the wing. Perhaps a move to Seattle Sounders? They need a bit more of an attacking CM. Well that’s just my wishful thinking, lol. Let’s get it done Sounders.
I think he’d fit much better in Columbus and Wilfred Nancy, my Crew could always use more weapons.
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PSV used Dest mostly on the left so I’m not sure when he comes back if that affects Richie too much. I think maybe Richie finds a spot further up the field in January if some of these guys get sold. We know Chucky is heading to San Diego if a one or two attackers or Cams move too, chances could be there. The problem is he didn’t do much in MLS last season and a move within the Netherlands likely finds him on a team with little chance to compete with PSV, Ajax, and Feyenoord. Continuing to fight for a regular spot at PSV might be his best option even if that means his NT calls don’t come.
JR
Richie really shouldn’t be thinking about the USMNT at all.
You never know but as much as I love the kid I see no way for him to become a “Pochettino regular” barring a lot of injuries.
He needs to focus 100% on taking advantage of Boaz’s faith in him and win long term regular status. SBI people have not shown a lot of appreciation for just a how good a talent developer is Bosz is. That Ajax team that got Ten Hag the job at Man U? A lot of those kids were Bosz kids.
Y’all are too pissed off at him for not starting Pepi over De Jong.
PSV has shown a lot of faith in Richie and he’s only 24. PSV would be a good place for him to become a regular unless Landon has a spot for him with the Galaxy. If injuries do happen, Richie at PSV will be well placed and ready.
Speak of the devil, Pulisic is reported as having a torn calf and will be out until sometime in January.