As we near the winter break and halfway point of the Euro/Mexico seasons, consider: a 19-year old American is now one of the top young skilled players in Europe and produced in the Champions League. Another American teenager is starting for one of top teams in Germany. A third American teen made the Best XI in Mexico. Unheralded Americans have broken through at top clubs in Portugal and Denmark. A 21- year old American is getting regular minutes in La Liga while another one is one of the top scorers in the French second division and has his team in first place. Several American players still young enough for our YNTs are getting regular minutes in the Championship. Another younger American is one of the top center backs in the Netherlands. Established American national teamers are playing regularly in the top flights of Germany, England and Mexico. And one of the top young(ish) goalkeepers is about to join a team in Denmark where he's expected to start while another GK some thought only got his chances because of his last name started in the Europa League. The top player at the CONCACAF U20 championship is signing with one of the top teams in England and being loaned to one of the top Dutch teams. So, while there are still players we wish were playing more, like Emerson Hyndman and Ethan Horvath, this has been a great season for US-eligible players in Europe and Mexico. The question is, collectively, has this been the best season (so far) for Yanks Abroad ever?
Probably the most promising. Depending on how much you rate breath of accomplishment vs night of them, Dempsey tearing up the EPL + Boca and the rest could top this one.
As far as having young players break through at respectable clubs, I think this is our best year ever. But we've also had very strong years with many prime-age Yanks succeeding across Europe, which is a bit different.
Compared to the Boca, Dolo, Gooch group, I'd say we're behind. We have three players above the baseline of that team (Puli, JAB & Wes). The rest is below. Yes, even Yedlin and Miazga. I'd take Dolo and Demerit over those two. We have no alternatives at LB. Fabian is getting old, and hasn't played well as our LM. There's a reason why he's spending more and more time on the bench. Cameron is past his prime, although he still has his uses. Chandler is, IMO, a lost cause. Jonathan G. is a bright spot, but good play in MX seldom translates to the NT. Dwill is knocking on the door and looking good. And Stanko is finally getting BuLi minutes, so keep an eye on him. We don't have a clear #1 keeper, and all the alternatives are a big step down from Howard in his prime. And our forward situation is close to a disaster. Also, the contingent of youth behind in development to where we expected them to be is big: Gooch is a terrible player in a terrible team, and the same can be said of Kitchen; Zelalem disappeared; Rubin plays garbage minutes in a league weaker than MLS; Green looks like a good fit in a team that is likely to get relegated to the third division soon; Shaq went from starter to not-in-squad in a single week; Emo Hyndman is stuck with the reserves; CCV's stock has dropped some with his team suffering a string of defeats; Mix looks decent but in another weak league; Wright is not even making the squad in Sandhausen; Wooten's return is taking forever; we have no idea where EPB is going to end up; Horvath got demoted to third keeper even though he was fairly expensive for Brugge; Jerry Kiesewetter barely plays; Josh Perez is a sub guy in a Serie C club; Gyau has found his level in the 3.Liga; Boyd is injured most of the time; Payne is injured again and his spot on the bench is getting cold; Lichaj reached his ceiling as a serviceable fullback in a mid-table second division club in England; I'll be only too happy if I never see Tim Ream in a USA uniform again; everybody hates Gonzo and not without reason; Ventura Alvarado was sent to play Copa games but when he got a shot back to the Liga he managed to get himself red carded; Aronjo is still outside looking in; Bobby Wood is part of the problem with HSV; etc. In short, too much fail to consider the half-season a success. But we have a few bright lights.
Definitely, the best part is the youth, as we need these youngsters to step up, and so far they're doing it. Much better than some years, where the list of yanks plying their trade abroad was filled with DNPs.
Depends on the metric. Certainly looks the most promising, but production is nowhere near the EPL heydays when we had multiple starting keepers and Bake and scoring goals or when we had several good defenders in the Prem and Demps scoring like mad.
Considering the lack of a generation between LD, Dempsey, Beasley et al, to now, there is great excitement this half season. But the excitement has to be more for the future than the present. If we had 10 players 24-28 that were established and we were still high on their consistent performances, that would be the best ever. This may be characterized as the most exciting new wave of players. Ever!!?? still up for debate.
The biggest difference between now and the Fulhamerica era is that the players are 5-8 years younger on average. Plus, so many of the games are on TV now and they are all streamable. You can watch Pulisic and McKennie play twice a week some weeks. It was a rare Fulham game on TV if I remember correctly. None of Beasley's, Donovan's, or Bradley's German and Dutch games could be viewed. The first that was on TV consistently was Jozy at Sunderland, and that was hard viewing. They are younger, the USMNT is a disaster, and you can watch them. I agree, it is the most exciting time.
I understand the first part is about Hamid, but I have no clue what the last part means? Anyone want to shed some light?