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Americans Abroad Player of the Week: Josh Sargent

Norwich City welcomed Josh Sargent back to its starting lineup on Saturday and the American striker did not disappoint.

Sargent scored twice in the Canaries’ 5-1 EFL Championship win over Swansea City, staying very much alive in the race for a top six spot. The U.S. men’s national team forward earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors for his positive performance at Carrow Road.

It marked Sargent’s first appearance in close to three months after the American striker was sidelined with an ankle injury. He played 65 minutes in the match.

Both of Sargent’s goals came off right-footed finishes and confident ones at that. After being a substitute for the past few weeks, Canaries manager Johannes Hoff Thorup rewarded Sargent with his first start in close to three months.

Sargent looked hungry for the opportunity, delivering his first brace since February 2024.

The 25-year-old’s return could be a major boost for Norwich City, who will have aspirations of Premier League promotion. Sargent’s return will also bring a smile to USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino, who could call on Sargent’s services for the March CONCACAF Nations League Final Four.

“What we forget to talk about when we mention Josh is often that he’s a great striker, good at holding the ball, good at dealing with a couple of centre backs, but I think one of his best skills is actually his running, and the way that he can run in behind, and the timing in those runs,” said Thorup postmatch.

“We also saw it in the first half, where he had a situation where he span out onto the left side of the pitch, on the right side of their centre back, and had a shot with his left foot a little bit similar to the goal he scored; that’s the same kind of movements, where he anticipates where the space will open up and where he needs to go,” he added. “The timing of his runs is top quality. He’s a top striker in the league.”

Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:


Tyler Adams


Tyler Adams is riding one of the best form spells of his club career.

Adams logged 90 minutes and registered two assists on Saturday as AFC Bournemouth rolled past Nottingham Forest 5-0. The USMNT midfielder is continuing to play a key role on both ends of the field while also staying healthy and fit.

With a healthy Adams on the pitch, Bournemouth very well could reach a European spot by end of season.


Yunus Musah


AC Milan picked up two wins over the past week and Yunus Musah excelled in both matches.

Musah registered one assist in 180 combined minutes of action as the Rossoneri claimed victories in UEFA Champions League and Serie A play. Musah’s versatility has seen him used in a wide range of roles under Sergio Conceciao and expect that to continue going forward into the spring.


Alex Zendejas


Alex Zendejas has been on the radar of Orlando City in recent weeks and Saturday’s impactful performance for Club America could lead to more interest from elsewhere.

Zendejas scored twice and added one assist in Club America’s 4-1 road Liga MX victory over Santos Laguna. The 26-year-old has picked up where he left off from last season which could do Club America nicely in their race for another league title.


Ricardo Pepi


PSV earned a crucial three points in Eredivisie play with Ricardo Pepi adding to his growing goal total.

Pepi scored his 11th league goal as PSV earned a 3-2 home win over NAC Breda. The USMNT forward has continued to be impactful for the club, whether it be in the starting lineup or off of the bench.

Despite European interest elsewhere, expect Pepi to stay for the remainder of the season.


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.

Comments

  1. Zendejas has been on fire. He needs to stay with America or try to move to Europe. Club America is one of the biggest teams in all of the Americas. Really surprised there wasn’t more interest in him from European teams.

    Reply
    • Not a lot of interest in 27 yr old wingers who have no Euro experience. Clubs he would be qualified for typically want to sell players on, there isn’t much chance of profit with his age. At 320,000 a year he probably wouldn’t make any more money either.

      Reply
  2. Musah, in one of their games, had a shot that hit inside of his far post, but it just caromed out. Another inch more inside the post and he would have had a goal. Now if only Weah could become a starter. Mckennie has been moved to right back for Juventus, but he seems to see more of the ball there than he did while playing midfield. He was responsible for one goal by Napoli when his man switched inside and an inside player switched outside. Wes and the other defender then switched who they guarded, but in the switch Wes’ man got maybe a foot of space and he was probably 4 inches taller than Wes and out jumped him for a scoring header.

    Reply

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