Americans abroad: What to watch for this weekend with European rotation taking place

With the Champions League and other European competitions getting under way, it also means that for teams around the world, we’ll be entering rotation season. It’s a big chance for American players who haven’t been getting much playing time at clubs such as Gio Reyna to show why they need to be more involved moving forward. It has already been a great start to the season for plenty of Americans around the English Football League such as Haji Wright, Brenden Aaronson, and Josh Sargent but for players in the top five European leagues that hasn’t been the case around the world. 

So as the games begin to speed up, let’s take a look at some Americans to keep an eye on this weekend.

Josh Sargent: Norwich City vs. Watford

Saturday, Sept. 20 (7:30 a.m. ET Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo)

It hasn’t been a great start to the season for the Canaries but Josh Sargent has been in top form keeping Norwich City moving. In the thick of the Championship Golden Boot race, Sargent has two goals and an assist but will be looking for more against Watford. These are the games which Norwich needs to win in order to secure promotion to the Premier League or managerial shifts could be on the horizon.

Aidan Morris: Sunderland vs. Middlesbrough 

Saturday, Sept. 20 (7:30 a.m. Paramount+. CBS Sports Network)

Aidan Morris has become one of the first names on the Middlesbrough team sheet under Michael Carrick and now he’ll have a chance to help them get back into the Championship title race. Given that Boro has never won a game at Wembley Stadium, they’ll want to avoid the playoffs at all costs which means that they’ll have to go through teams like Sunderland for automatic promotion. The Stadium of Light isn’t a place for the faint of heart so they’ll need to be on their game. 

Tim Weah & Weston McKennie (Juventus vs. Napoli)

Saturday, Sept. 20 (12 p.m. ET Paramount+)

In a match that could be one to decide the Scudetto, Juventus will face Napoli. Napoli has been in good form under Antonio Conte with Romelu Lukaku is getting back to his best and Juventus enters on a short week. A boost is that Weston McKennie started and scored against PSV in Champions League play while Tim Weah came off the bench in his own return from injury. It’s an important platform for his reintegration into the side under Thiago Motta. It’s a chance for Americans to play a large role in the Serie A title race making it a must-watch affair.

Luca De La Torre: Athletic Club vs. Celta de Vigo

Sunday, Sept. 21 (10:15 a.m. ET ESPN+)

Back from injury and with Celta Vigo flying high in La Liga, this is a chance for Luca De La Torre to show what he can do against La Liga’s best. Athletic Bilbao will have one eye on Europa League play while Celta can focus on the game in front of them. De La Torre is someone who has a clean slate under Mauricio Pochettino for the USMNT and with his ability to progress the ball, he could quickly see his stock rise if he can take chances in league play.

Gio Reyna: Stuttgart vs. Borussia Dortmund

Sunday, Sept. 21 (11:30 a.m. ET ESPN+)

Two teams who played in the Champions League midweek face each other in the league which is where rotation could reign supreme. That could be a welcome situation for Gio Reyna who is working his way back from a groin injury that he suffered before the international break. There’s no guarantee that he’ll be available for this match after missing the squad for Dortmund’s UCL match but facing a rotated Stuttgart side is a good chance to find his legs if he is fit to feature.