The 2024/25 season has barely started, but the US Men's National Team players are already stealing the show on the pitch in Europe and also on their return to the MLS. And when it comes to good performances, you can't fail to mention Brenden Aaronson, Malik Tillman and Bryan Reynolds, who have all started their campaigns with eye-catching performances.
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Aaronson, who returned to Leeds United after a spell in Germany, couldn't have chosen a better way to mark his return. In a game that looked lost, he came on in injury time, literally in the 47th minute, and made his mark in the draw against Portsmouth. Not only that, but he almost secured the win, showing that he's hungry for the ball and thirsty for victory. Then you think: “But was it beginner's luck?” It may well be, but Aaronson has already shown that he's not a one-shot player. With this performance, he made it clear that he wants a guaranteed place in the USMNT first team and that he's more than willing to fight for it.
And it wasn't just in England that the Americans' star shone. In the Netherlands, Malik Tillman made his debut for PSV Eindhoven, and what a debut it was! In a match where PSV thrashed RKC Waalwijk 5-1, Tillman not only scored a stunning goal from outside the box, but also demonstrated why he is considered one of the great promises of his generation. With a shot from distance into the corner, he made it clear that he has a calibrated foot and can be a powerful weapon for the USMNT in the challenges ahead.
If Tillman was the man in goal, Richy Ledezma was the maestro in midfield. In his first match for PSV, he didn't score, but his defensive performance was worthy of applause. So much so that he was voted best on the pitch, an accolade that, let's face it, is not for everyone. Ledezma showed that, even without scoring, he has a lot to offer the team, especially when it comes to protecting the defense and organizing the game.
In Belgium, Bryan Reynolds decided it was time to shine too. The Westerlo full-back not only scored the winning goal for his team, but also ensured that his name was remembered by the fans and the USMNT coaching staff. In a match that ended 4-3, Reynolds was decisive in extending his team's lead, and they needed that goal to secure the three points. And if he keeps it up, it won't be long before his name is called up more often for the national team.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, in Major League Soccer, Djordje Mihailovic and DeJuan Jones have also shown that they're on a roll. Mihailovic, who recently returned from the Olympics, where he was one of the team's top scorers, showed that his good form didn't stop in France. He was crucial for Colorado Rapids in the Leagues Cup, scoring goals and helping the team advance in the competition. And Jones, on his debut for the Columbus Crew, wasted no time in making his mark with a goal in a 4-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. This kind of performance doesn't go unnoticed, especially when it comes to players who are eyeing a place in the national team.
These performances, both in Europe and the MLS, show that the new generation of USMNT players is more than ready to take on responsibility and fight for a place in the sun. They are more mature, more confident and, most importantly, with an insatiable desire to win. The competition for places in the national team is fiercer than ever, and this will only improve the level of the squad.
And what does all this mean for the next squad? Well, it means that the coach has a wider range of options than ever before. However, the federation is still looking for a new coach and he will have a great crop to work with. With players excelling in competitive leagues, both in Europe and the MLS, the national team can take to the field with a new energy and perhaps surprise their opponents. Aaronson, Tillman, Reynolds, Mihailovic, Jones... these are just some of the names that Berhalter will need to consider carefully when putting together his next team.
Ultimately, the success of these players reflects the growth of soccer in the USA. A decade ago, it would have been hard to imagine so many Americans excelling in top European leagues. But now, with more investment, better training and a more competitive domestic scene, the future of the USMNT looks brighter than ever.