Topics: Giovanni Reyna, Borussia Dortmund, Sergiño Dest, Barcelona, Chris Richards, Bayern Munich, Christian Pulisic, Chelsea, Weston McKennie, Juventus, Tyler Adams, RB Leipzig, Zach Steffen, Manchester City, Reggie Cannon, USMNT
Young American soccer players keep impressing in Europe. Let us talk about what they were up to last week.

Last week marked one of the most historic weeks in U.S. Men’s National Team history as defender Sergiño Dest signed for FC Barcelona and played his first minutes. On other news, attacking midfielder Giovanni Reyna made headlines again after blockbuster performance against SC Freiburg. Meanwhile, Defender Chris Richards played a key role in Bayern Munich’s 4-3 win over Hertha Berlin on Sunday. Keep reading for more on these American studs and others around Europe’s top leagues. 

Giovanni Reyna – Borussia Dortmund  

Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna headlines this edition of keeping up with young Americans in Europe after recording a hattrick of assists in Saturday’s 4-0 win over SC Freiburg.  

Reyna helped Borussen fans off their seats in the 30th minute when he dished a ball forward into space for Erling Haaland, who pushed it by Freiburg’s keeper and into the goal. Being in charge of taking corners, Reyna sent an out-swinging cross from the flag that met Emre Can’s head and ended in the back of the net at the start of the second half. And to top the icing on the cake, the 17-year-old left a defender on the ground before pushing another pass into space for Haaland to chase after and finish with power and great technique. 

All in all, more people around the globe are realizing why Haaland calls the teenager ‘The American Dream.’ 

Sergiño Dest – Barcelona  

It was hard to take Reyna away from the spotlight after an incredible performance in Germany, but Sergiño Dest came close after being the first American to play for Spanish giants Barcelona in a La Liga match. 

The 21-year-old USMNT player signed a five-year deal worth around 26 million Euros after add-ons on Friday, Oct. 2. Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman did not wait for the ex-Ajax right-back to get some action on the pitch. Dest was subbed-on on for left-back Jordi Alba in the 75th minute in Sunday’s La Liga match against Sevilla, which ended in a 1-1 draw.  

Dest will be an important piece for this Barcelona team given Nelson Semedo’s departure. Barcelona is set to face Getafe after international break on Sunday, Oct. 18.  

Chris Richards – Bayern Munich  

Earning bronze in this edition of keeping up with young Americans in Europe is Chris Richards, who played his part in Bayern’s thrilling 4-3 win over Hertha Berlin. 

The natural center-back started at the right-back position and supplied crosses throughout the 65 minutes he took a part in. Robert Lewandowski’s first goal came from one of those crosses, but it did not count as a direct assist, given that Hertha’s keeper blocked the Pole’s first attempt at goal. However, Richards served a ground cross to the top of the area that was met by Lewandowski, who took a beautiful first touch and slotted the goal. 

The 20-year-old natural center-back proved to be useful in the right-back position, which will help him get more playing time in this 2020/21 campaign. 

Reggie Cannon – Boavista 

Reggie Cannon arrived at Boavista in Portugal from FC Dallas in September and has made three starts since, including one on Friday. Cannon took part in Primera Liga’s match against Moreirense, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

Zach Steffen – Manchester City 

Zach Steffen enjoyed two Carabao Cup fixtures with Manchester City since returning from his loan term with Dusseldorf. His first was on Sept. 24 against Bournemouth in a match that finished 2-1 in favor of the Citizens. On Wednesday, Sept. 30, Steffen kept his first clean sheet as a Manchester City player in a 3-0 win over Premier League side Burnley. The 25-year-old American goalkeeper is thriving with the opportunities given by manager Pep Guardiola. 

Josh Sargent – Werder Bremen  

Forward Joshua Sargent earned another start in the German Bundesliga after a successful performance in Bremen’s 3-1 over Schalke where he gave an assist on Sept. 26. In return, the American played a full 90 minutes in Werder Bremen’s 1-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld.  

Antonee Robinson – Fulham  

Left-back Antonee Robinson took part in all 180 minutes of action with Fulham last week. However, the London club was knocked out of the Carabao Cup by rivals Brentford 3-0 in midweek action and dropped Premier League points against Wolverhampton on Sunday. 

Timothy Weah – Lille OSC 

Forward Timothy Weah has found it difficult to crack into Lille’s starting 11, and even get minutes off the bench. The 20-year-old managed to play 30 minutes in the course of four matches, including Sunday’s 3-0 win over Strasbourg where he only played one minute. 

Ulysses Llanez – SC Heerenveen  

Nineteen-year-old Ulysses Llanez racked-up his first 23 minutes of Eredivisie action with SC Heerenveen. The match finished in one-all draw and Heerenveen. 

Konrad de la Fuente – Barcelona  

Winger Konrad de la Fuente, from Miami, FL, was an unused substitute in Barcelona’s squad against Sevilla on Sunday and Celta de Vigo Thursday, Oct. 1. It is a step in the right direction given that he was not in the squad for the Villareal game on Sept. 27. 

Christian Pulisic – Chelsea  

Christian Pulisic is officially back. ‘Captain America’ registered eight minutes as a substitute in Chelsea’s 4-0 win against Crystal Palace on Saturday and was close to getting his name on the scoresheet. 

Tyler Adams – RB Leipzig  

Tyler Adams picked up a small back injury that kept him out of RB Leipzig’s squad against Schalke. 

Weston McKennie – Juventus  

Juventus arrived at Naples to find out that they would not be playing. Therefore, Weston McKennie did not play, and Juventus received three points and three goals for the forfeit.