USMNT and Andrija Novakovich: Real test starts now
By Daniel Garza
One of the bright spots from the United States’ player pool during the 2017-18 European season was Andrija Novakovich. Now, the USMNT striker will get to showcase his ability in the Dutch Eredivisie.
On loan from Reading, Andrija Novakovich played this past season for Telestar in the Dutch second division where he thrived.
Scoring 19 goals in 35 league matches, the striker made his mark as one of the top United States Men’s National Team forwards.
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Now that his big season is behind him, the news of his new two-year deal with Reading should come as no surprise. The contract runs through the summer of 2020 which will give him plenty of time to further develop his skills.
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For the upcoming season, Novakovich will be headed back to the Netherlands, however, to play for Fortuna Sittard who were just promoted to the Eredivisie. They will be looking to stay up in their first season back since 1982 and the American forward should offer some big help.
Getting to play against the likes of Ajax and PSV will be a big test for the 21-year-old. He faced far lesser competition in the second division, and, thus, this will be the greatest challenge of his club career to date.
Reading appears to be content with keeping their academy graduate on loan as they prepare for another season in the EFL Championship. If Novakovich has a successful season in the Eredivisie, expect him to be on the first team for Reading during the 2019-20 season. He certainly isn’t a player they can afford to lose at the moment.
The USMNT coaching staff will get to fully gauge where he is at in his development in this upcoming season. Having already made two appearances for the national team, the confidence in his ability is there from the U.S. camp, now he just needs to show he belongs as a staple player in the build-up to the next World Cup qualifying campaign.
Expect to see Novakovich in a few more international friendlies this year as well. With matches against Italy, England, and Mexico on the horizon, Novakovich might get the chance to play against these talented sides and will have another avenue to showcase his play.
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All eyes will be on his progress this season and we will be providing updates during the USMNT Abroad series throughout the European year.