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Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, Johnny CardosoGetty/GOAL
Ryan Tolmich

Americans Abroad: Tactics and trends - Sergino Dest's dribbling numbers for PSV epitomize perfect modern fullback, while USMNT's Josh Sargent runs riot for Norwich

GOAL looks inside the numbers, tactics and trends for key U.S. internationals in Europe early in the season

Numbers never lie, although they sometimes do. It's early in the season, so it's not fair to wade too deep into those numbers, but there are some statistical outliers that stand out when it comes to Americans Abroad.

The European leagues are either in their early stages or, in the case of Serie A, still awaiting kickoff. However, it's already been an eventful time for the U.S. men's national team's biggest stars. There have been plenty of goals, some debuts and a few trophies. It's been a lot to take in before the calendar has even had a chance to switch to September.

So, while it's too early to really unpack long-term trends, there are signs. From Sergino Dest's unstoppable presence on the ball to Josh Sargent's efficiency in front of goal, these are the sorts of data points that will inform decisions involving the USMNT going forward.

GOAL examines some noteworthy tactics and trends for USMNT players in Europe.

  • PSV v Go Ahead Eagles - Johan Cruijff ShieldGetty Images Sport

    Dribbling Dest

    It doesn't take long to see what makes Dest different, and any fan of the USMNT will be more than accustomed to seeing it. In a world in which fullbacks are now attackers, Dest is as modern as it gets. His job isn't to support, but to unsettle, and what makes him so dangerous is that, when he's on the ball, he's so good at unsettling defenses.

    Stats back that up, and we're not just talking about goals and assists. He's provided those already, signaling his proper return from last year's ACL injury, but Dest's dribbling stats truly show how dangerous he is.

    In his last game, a 2-0 PSV win over FC Twente, Dest completed seven dribbles, more than any other player in the game. It's early, but this season, he's leading the Eredivisie in dribbles per 90 with 4.2, with the game between him and second-place Derensili Sanches Fernandes larger than the gap between second and seventh. In total, 72 percent of his dribbles are successful, showing just how good Dest is at beating his man.

    It's something the USMNT has lacked dearly since his injury, and it's something that the USMNT will have back soon. And, to top it off, Dest isn't neglecting his defensive responsibilities, as he also led the match in duels won, too. The U.S. is set to welcome back a different kind of fullback, one that will have the confidence to take on and beat opponents in ways that no one else in this pool can.

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  • Leao Pulisic Milan Bari USARE QUESTAGetty

    Pulisic brings the danger

    Last season, Pulisic established himself as one of the best in Serie A. Despite Milan's struggles as a team, there was no denying that the Rossoneri's American star did his thing and, while the Serie A season hasn't officially begun, it looks like Pulisic is ready to provide more of the same.

    Pulisic and Milan opened their season this weekend with a Coppa Italia match against Bari. The American got on the scoreboard, netting the second goal in the 2-0 win. In general, Pulisic put in a Man of the Match-level performance, leading the match in chances created while also coming inches away from a second goal only to be denied by the woodwork.

    It wasn't a one-off. Since he arrived in Serie A in 2023, Pulisic is the only player in the league with 30 goals and 20 assists in all competitions. Neither season has been an outlier, either, as he's hit double-digit goals and assists in both. So, when he steps up and terrorizes a Serie B team to open the season, it isn't a surprise - it's the expectation.

  • Norwich City FC v Leeds United FC - Sky Bet ChampionshipGetty Images Sport

    Sargent running riot

    Josh Sargent is scoring again. It's three goals in three games for him to start the season, as he's picked up right where he left off. The stats behind it are intriguing, though, largely because they point to ruthless efficiency.

    In Sargent's three matches, he's fired a total of just five shots. Four of those have been on target, while three have hit the back of the net. When breaking down the numbers, Sargent actually hasn't been involved as much as he could be.

    In the season-opening loss to Millwall, he had the fewest touches (28) of anyone who played 45 minutes or more. Against Watford, it was just 16 in 62 minutes. This past weekend, he had just 28 touches, including a total of two in the opposition box.

    Sargent is doing a lot with a little. Now, if only he can take that and convert that to his performances in a USMNT shirt...

  • RCD Espanyol de Barcelona v Atletico de Madrid - LaLiga EA SportsGetty Images Sport

    Atleti's lung

    A tweet went viral this weekend referring to Johnny Cardoso as Atletico Madrid's "lung." It's a lot to say about a player in response to a 45-minute debut, but Cardoso clearly showed enough in that stint to impress.

    Facing off with Espanyol with USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino in attendance, Cardoso lasted just one half, at least partly due to a yellow card earned just before halftime. In those 45, he started as Atleti's deepest midfielder, partnering Conor Gallagher but often dropping deeper than the ex-Chelsea man.

    In those 45 minutes, Cardoso won five of his seven duels, won a tackle and completed all but five of his 40 passes. Cardoso was totally involved on both sides of the ball.

    A positive start for a player that, if this weekend is to be believed, should be a vital piece of Atletico's build-up and defensive shape.