As the Americans Abroad contingent grew to new heights over the past season, many players impressed in some of Europe’s top leagues.
From Christian Pulisic’s continued production at AC Milan to Antonee Robinson and Haji Wright’s productive campaigns with Fulham and Coventry City respectively, there was plenty for American soccer fans to be excited about heading into a busy international summer schedule.
Josh Sargent answered the call for Norwich City, Ethan Horvath jumped back into a No. 1 role, and Richie Ledezma logged ample minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Here is a closer look at SBI’s Best XI for the past international season:
**This post will be updated with final statistics for the European season when it concludes.
2024-25 SBI Americans Abroad Best XI
Ethan Horvath, Cardiff City
Ethan Horvath began Cardiff City’s season as the club’s No. 1 and despite being on the bench for most of the winter schedule, concluded the campaign back in his familiar spot.
Horvath, 29, made 19 appearances for the Bluebirds this season, logging four clean sheets. The U.S. men’s national team veteran made the most of Jak Alnwick’s injury by jumping back in between the posts for the final few months.
With the USMNT No. 1 job still up for grabs, Horvath has the best chance after playing the most minutes between him and the rest of the European contingent.
Richie Ledezma, PSV
Richie Ledezma was thrown into the right back role at PSV and did not disappoint.
Ledezma logged 2,438 minutes in Peter Bosz’s squad, scoring one goal, and registering one assist. The midfielder-turned-defender featured in four different competitions for the reigning Eredivisie winners, showing his versatility in a new role for the club.
Ledezma seems likely to be part of the Mexico pool for the foreseeable future, but Mauricio Pochettino could come knocking after watching the 24-year-old impress in his new opportunity.
Borussia Moenchengladbach’s Joe Scally delivered another strong season for the Bundesliga side, featuring on both sides of the backline, and rarely missing time.
Cameron Carter-Vickers, Celtic
Cameron Carter-Vickers’ trophy cabinet is getting filled fast.
Carter-Vickers played a leading role once again for Scottish champions Celtic, logging 41 appearances across all competitions. The USMNT center back scored two goals for the club, helping Brendan Rodgers’ squad repeat as league winners, and also lift the Scottish League Cup.
Carter-Vickers remains one of several center backs eligible for CONCACAF Gold Cup duty this summer and it would be hard for Pochettino to leave him out after he was a rock for Celtic.
Chris Richards, Crystal Palace
Chris Richards enjoyed his best season yet at club level.
The 25-year-old defender made 27 combined appearances for Crystal Palace this season, scoring one goal, and adding one assist. Richards helped Crystal Palace advance to this month’s FA Cup Final while also keeping the Eagles in the mix for a top-half finish.
Despite suffering hamstring and calf problems during the club season, Richards returned to consistent action in January. Similar to Carter-Vickers, it will be hard to leave Richards out of the USMNT starting lineup for the Gold Cup group stage.
Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie both enjoyed positive moments throughout their club seasons and will also be on Pochettino’s radar for summer involvement.
Antonee Robinson, Fulham
One season after a career-best year for Fulham, Antonee Robinson impressed yet again.
Robinson was one of Fulham’s best players this season, registering 10 assists in 35 combined appearances. The USMNT left back continued to show why some of Europe’s big clubs are circling him for a potential transfer target this summer.
In addition to being a lockdown defender, Robinson’s final-third delivery continued to blossom.
Caleb Wiley and John Tolkin both showed promise in their moves to new clubs, setting the stage for what could be a bigger 2025-26.
Tyler Adams, Bournemouth
Bournemouth fans were finally able to see the best version of Tyler Adams this season.
Adams returned to full fitness for the Cherries, making 28 appearances across multiple competitions. The USMNT midfielder was one of the key figures in Andoni Iraola’s squad, which certainly helped Bournemouth remain in the European race as long as they did.
Keeping Adams healthy throughout the summer will be key, especially given his track record of missing ample time in recent years. However, Bournemouth and the USMNT will have big plans for Adams heading into the new campaign.
Gianluca Busio remained a consistent performer for Serie A side Venezia, earning Honorable Mention honors for this spot. Busio scored two goals in 30 appearances, logging over 2,500 minutes of action.
Johnny Cardoso, Real Betis
There might not have been a more productive American midfielder this season than Johnny Cardoso.
Cardoso made 40 appearances for La Liga side Real Betis, scoring four goals and adding one assist. The New Jersey native was Mr. Consistency in Manuel Pellegrini’s squad, featuring in the Europa Conference League, as well as both of Spain’s competitions.
Cardoso has become a fan favorite in Betis, but could be on the move this summer after his impressive campaign.
Paxten Aaronson has enjoyed a positive loan spell with FC Utrecht, continuing what has been a strong start to his European career.
Malik Tillman, PSV
Moving to PSV has been the spark for Malik Tillman in his club career.
Tillman scored 13 goals and added four assists for PSV, rebounding from a few injuries to play a large role this season. The attacking midfielder has returned with a bang, helping PSV clinch a European spot for next season and becoming a key leader in their attack.
Although Tillman has lacked production with the USMNT, he remains a top option for the summer.
Griffin Yow has continued to take steps forward for Belgian club Westerlo, scoring seven goals to date this season. Yow could be on the move this summer, but still has a few more matches to contribute before making his next decision.
Christian Pulisic, AC Milan
Christian Pulisic has surely enjoyed life in Milan.
The USMNT star has delivered another stellar season for the Rossoneri, providing 16 goals and 11 assists to date. Pulisic has played over 3,000 minutes, being a key reason on why the Rossoneri has brought home one trophy so far.
Pulisic could add a Coppa Italia Final win to his growing resume by season’s end, as well as leading AC Milan back into Europe for next season.
Haji Wright, Coventry City
Haji Wright has made the most of his time in the EFL Championship.
The 27-year-old leads Coventry City with 12 goals this season, returning from an ankle injury to help Frank Lampard’s squad near a playoff berth. Wright’s physicality and versatility has led to him playing in multiple offensive roles, a theme that could translate over to the USMNT’s summer schedule.
Should Coventry not get into the playoffs, expect Wright’s name to be on the radar of several EPL sides.
Ricardo Pepi bounced in-and-out of the PSV starting lineup this season, but still contributed when called upon. Pepi has 17 goals to his name in all competitions and still could add to that total by season’s end, pending he returns from a knee injury.
Josh Sargent, Norwich City
Josh Sargent made it double-digit goals for the second-consecutive season.
The Missouri native has tallied 15 goals for Norwich City despite the Canaries missing out on the promotion playoffs. Sargent missed time through injury, but still remained a vital part of the Canaries squad, earning EFL Championship Team of the Season honors.
Whether or not Sargent remains a Norwich City this summer remains to be seen, but if it was his last campaign at Carrow Road, it surely would’ve left Canary fans happy about his production.
Alex Zendejas has continued to be one of Liga MX’s consistent offensive threats. Zendejas has nine goals and 12 assists for Club America, helping the club win the Apertura title and also remain in the hunt for a Clausura crown.
What do you think of the Americans Abroad Best XI? Who are you happy to see included? Who did we leave out that you feel deserved a place?
Share your thoughts below.
