Americans abroad: What to watch for as members of the USMNT pool look to impress Mauricio Pochettino

After an international break during where members of the United States men’s national team didn’t take their chance to impress new boss Mauricio Pochettino, a return to club soccer could offer a much needed reset. It’s clear that Pochettino will have high expectations for the members of the player pool which is why it will be more important than ever to keep an eye on who is making the most of their club minutes.

A new manager can bring a blank slate for members of the player pool who may have been overlooked by Gregg Berhalter in the previous regime as Pochettino will have different ideas of what’s needed to build a squad. If players can step up to the challenge, success could be in the USMNT’s future but they will be challenged.

Let’s take a look at some players to watch abroad this weekend:

Lennard Maloney: Borussa Dortmund vs. FC Heidenheim

Friday, Sep. 13 (2:30 p.m. on ESPN+)

Speaking of clean slates in the USMNT pool, the Heidenheim midfielder is someone who could get more of a look under Pochettino. Lennard Maloney’s passing range may be limited but the ground that he can cover defensively isn’t. An away game against Dortmund is quite a test for any player as one wrong step can lead to a loss but that’s the kind of pressure that American players need to grow.

Brenden Aaronson: Leeds United vs. Burnley

Saturday, Aug. 14 (7:30 a.m. on Paramount+)

After working his way back into the first XI for Leeds United, Brenden Aaronson will now come up against Scott Parker’s Burnley. After dropping down from the Premier League last season, Burnley will like their chances of going right back up but Leeds have a similar goal and has an urgency to accomplish it. After already failing to achieve promotion last season, Leeds will take another financial hit if they spend another season in the Championship, and defeating promotion rivals will be critical if they’re to head back to the top flight.

Chris Richards: Crystal Palace vs. Leicester City

Saturday, Aug. 14 (10 a.m. on USA and Fubo)

After picking up a draw against Chelsea in a strong performance, Crystal Palace will now return home in a match where they’ll be favored to win. Sometimes after an international break it can be tough for teams to regain focus which is where the Eagles could be challenged by Leicester City. Expected to be in the relegation race, the Foxes will be up for this match and Jamie Vardy is quite the challenge for Chris Richards to defend. If Palace are to pick up all three points, holding a solid line and keeping up with Vardy’s pace will be critical and both of those are things that Richards is adept at doing.

Christian Pulisic, Gianluca Busio and Yunus Musah: Milan vs. Venezia

Saturday, Sep. 14 (2:45 p.m. on Paramount+)

It has been quite a poor start to the season for Milan but kicking off the return from the international break at home against a newly promoted team is a chance to turn things around. They could be squaring off against Gianluca Busio who recently extended his contract with Venezia. He has yet to make an appearance this season after sustaining an injury during the Olympics but after an international break he has had time to get a much needed rest. Christian Pulisic scored for the U.S. on Tuesday and will look to do it for Milan this weekend. 

Tanner Tessmann: Lens vs. Lyon

Sunday, Sep. 15 (2:45 p.m. on beIN Sports and Fubo)

After appearing off the bench before the interinational break, Tanner Tessmann could be in line for his full debut with Lyon after joining from Venezia. With an away trip to Lens, it provides Lyon with a chance to take points off a team who is undefeated to kick off the season in their quest to move up the table. With two losses already, Lyon need points sooner than later and they have a chance coming out of the international break to do just that.