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Football Insider

Americans Abroad: Christian Pulisic Shines as US Players Make Impact in Europe

As the year comes to a close, American soccer players are making waves in Europe with standout performances. Christian Pulisic leads the way atop Serie A's scoring charts, while Patrick Agyemang and Brenden Aaronson continue their strong form. Read on to discover more insights from Americans playing abroad.

Americans Abroad: Christian Pulisic Shines as US Players Make Impact in Europe

GOAL reviews the major takeaways from Americans playing in Europe, including big goals in Italy and England.As the year draws to a close, a number of U.S. men’s national team regulars capped the holiday period with goal contributions for their clubs abroad.Christian Pulisic led the way once again. While debate over just how good he is continues, the AC Milan winger keeps delivering on the pitch, scoring at a rate he has never matched before and turning this into his most effective season in Italy.He wasn't the only one, though. Patrick Agyemang got on the scoresheet as well. Brenden Aaronson provided an assist, while Weston McKennie essentially did so as well, even if he wasn't credited due to a technicality. There were big moments all over Europe for the Americans playing in that part of the world, many of whom are now heading into 2026 in incredible form.GOAL takes a look at the performances from Americans Abroad this weekend...Take a look at the Serie A Golden Boot race, and you'll find Pulisic right there at the very top. His goal on Sunday put him there, and it only reaffirmed what anyone who has been following his career at Milan already knows: that he's one of the best in Serie A. With his goal against Hellas Verona, Christian Pulisic is now level with Lautaro Martínez atop Serie A’s scoring charts on eight goals, despite having played four fewer matches than the World Cup winner. That gap is even more striking given Pulisic’s role as a winger rather than a central striker like the Argentine - a clear illustration of just how productive he has been this season.Pulisic now has 10 goals in 15 matches in all competitions. His strike on Sunday - a composed finish from close range in a 3-0 win - briefly lifted Milan to the top of Serie A, and he has been a major reason for their position in the title race. If the goals continue at this rate, Milan will have a genuine chance to challenge for the Scudetto this season.Don't look now, but Agyemang is hitting his stride. With his goal this weekend in Derby County's 1-1 draw with Birmingham, he now has three goals in as many games and four in his last six. Agyemang has found his feet in the Championship, which is an interesting storyline to watch in the buildup to the World Cup.The move to Europe was never going to be easy for the former Charlotte FC striker, but he’s beginning to make the transition look smoother than expected. With his goal this weekend, he's now up to six on the season to go with three assists. It comes out to roughly a goal contribution every game and a half, and those numbers are greatly impacted by his easing-in period to start the season.Agyemang is comfortable now, and the $8 million Derby reportedly paid for him looks like a bargain now. With his latest goal, he now matches the goal contributions of Haji Wright and Josh Sargent - two players who have been linked with far more expensive moves in recent years. Both are direct competitors for World Cup places, and at the moment, Agyemang is the one in the best form.If that continues, Derby will be thrilled. Agyemang will be, too, as his leap forward in the Championship could lead to even bigger opportunities ahead with the national team. Speaking of players in good form, you could add Aaronson to that mix, too, particularly after a standout performance in Leeds' 1-1 draw with Sunderland.The American assisted the equalizing goal in that game, putting the ball on a platter for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to continue his own recent hot streak. Much of the hard work for that goal was done by Aaronson, though, as he broke through on the right-hand side before playing an inch-perfect pass right into the path of the English striker.Sunday's assist was Aaronson's third of the season and his fourth total goal contribution. Per Opta, Aaronson now has as many assists in his last seven games, three, as in his first 46 Premier League matches. Those numbers say a lot, particularly for a player who started this with a real point to prove after struggling in his first crack at England's top flight.Now, in the midst of this second crack, Aaronson is winning over many of his detractors. Sunday's assist will help in that pursuit, too. Aaronson is eager to prove he belongs in the Premier League, and he's making his case stronger by the week.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingUnlike those listed above, McKennie won't be credited with a goal contribution, but he did set one up to help Juventus to a key win on Saturday.After 72 scoreless minutes against Pisa, McKennie's driven pass across the box was bundled home to give Juve a lead they'd never relinquish. The credit for the goal ultimately went to Pierre Kalulu, although McKennie wasn't credited with an assist as a result of a bounce off a defender. Make no mistake, though: McKennie created danger, and Juve took advantage of it.It continues a good run of form for McKennie, who once again started as a wingback in this win. From that wide spot, he was involved on both ends of the pitch - doing plenty to create danger while handling the defensive responsibilities necessary against an overmatched opponent. Over the last few months, McKennie has put in a series of good performances for Juve. It could be argued that this has been his best, most consistent run of games in a while.Even with national team games still a few months away, USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff will be thrilled to see McKennie at this level as they think up unique ways to use a player who has shown time and time again that he can do it all.+ Antonee Robinson was fantastic once again, creating four chances in Fulham's 1-0 win over West Ham.+ Haji Wright came off the bench in the 67th minute as Coventry City were able to see out a 1-0 win over Swansea City to go eight points clear atop the Championship.+ Josh Sargent did not feature in Norwich's 1-0 win over Charlton Athletic due to a recently suffered concussion. Charlie Kelman came off the bench for Charlton.+ Benjamin Cremaschi came off the bench in the 90th minute to help Parma see out a 1-0 win over Fiorentina.+ Celtic are back on the right track, as Auston Truty started and played all 90 minutes in a 4-2 win over Livingston.+ Chris Richards ultimately missed out on Crystal Palace's match against Tottenham due to a foot injury suffered against Arsenal.

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Christian Pulisic Leads Serie A Golden Boot Race

In a season filled with stellar performances, Christian Pulisic is setting Serie A alight with his goal-scoring exploits for AC Milan. With 10 goals in 15 matches in all competitions, Pulisic's recent goal against Hellas Verona catapulted him to the top of the Serie A scoring charts alongside Lautaro Martínez, despite playing fewer games. His versatility and clinical finishing have been pivotal in Milan's title ambitions this season.

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Patrick Agyemang Finds His Stride in the Championship

Derby County's Patrick Agyemang is making a name for himself in the Championship, with three goals in as many games and six goals in total this season. Agyemang's seamless transition to European football has exceeded expectations, with his recent performances putting him on par with top contenders for a spot in the World Cup squad. The striker's impact could lead to greater opportunities both at club and international level.

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Brenden Aaronson's Resilience in the Premier League

Brenden Aaronson's resurgence in the Premier League continued with a crucial assist for Leeds in their match against Sunderland. With three assists in his last seven games, Aaronson is proving his worth and silencing critics who doubted his ability to excel in England's top flight. The American midfielder's determination and creative spark are vital assets as he aims to solidify his place in the Premier League.

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Weston McKennie's Impact for Juventus

Despite not being directly credited with a goal contribution, Weston McKennie played a pivotal role in Juventus' recent victory with his key pass that led to the decisive goal. McKennie's consistent performances and versatility in various positions highlight his growing importance in Juve's squad. His impressive displays bode well for the USMNT as they look ahead to upcoming international fixtures.

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Other Notable Performances

Antonee Robinson impressed for Fulham with his creative flair, while Haji Wright made a significant impact off the bench for Coventry City. On the other hand, Josh Sargent missed Norwich's match due to injury, emphasizing the physical demands of professional football. These American talents continue to showcase their abilities on the European stage, contributing to the overall success of their respective teams.

Published on Dec 28, 2025