'I have a pretty good shot!' - USMNT star Ricardo Pepi full of confidence after extending scoring run off the bench in PSV's win over Volendam

Pepi was not named to PSV's starting XI on Sunday alongside fellow American Sergino Dest, but he did make his mark on a game that ended as a 5-1 blowout. After going behind in the first minute on a Jordan Teze own goal, PSV scored five unanswered, with Pepi getting the fourth of those.

The American's finish came just a minute after he came on, with Pepi placing a fantastic shot to the far post. And, afterward, he seemed full of confidence, despite largely playing as PSV's backup so far this season.

"I talked to some of my teammates and I know myself, I think my shot is a pretty good shot," said a confident Pepi. "It's just being aware of where the goal is. For a striker, it's important to have a good shot. My finishing is pretty good, but I just have to keep working on it."

He added: "It is important to know my role and to be patient, and I just have to keep going."

The goal continued Pepi's spectacular run as a super-sub, with the American now having seven goals off the bench this season. Pepi now has five goals in Eredivisie play this season with the two other goals coming in wins over Sevilla and Sturm Graz in the Champions League.

The striker remains in the picture to start up top for the USMNT, as he looks set to compete with Folarin Balogun and Josh Sargent for the chance to lead the line in the Nations League.

With the goal, Pepi now leads the Eredivisie in scoring efficiency. The striker is averaging a goal every 46 minutes this season, which is the best among all players who have scored at least five goals in the league.

With the win over Volendam, PSV maintained their stranglehold atop the Eredivisie, having dropped just four points all through their 21-game unbeaten run to start the season. As a result, they have a 10-point lead on second-place Feyenoord, ahead of Friday's clash with Heracles. After that, all eyes will turn toward the Champions League as PSV play host to Dortmund for the first leg of their Round of 16 tie on February 20.