US men’s national team star Christian Pulisic returned to Chelsea's starting XI on Saturday, going 87 minutes in their 3-3 draw against Premier League foe Southampton.
While not credited with a full assist, he helped set up Chelsea's third in the 59th minute, a sweeping move that Kai Havertz capped off.
Pulisic, who spent the 2020-21 season’s opening portion recovering from a hamstring injury suffered in last August’s FA Cup Final against Arsenal, appears back at full health. Just prior to the October international break, the midfielder made a seven-minute substitute appearance in a 4-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Now donning the No. 10 shirt for Chelsea, Pulisic recorded 11 goals and 10 assists across 34 games last season in all competitions. He’s in his second year with the Premier League side, moving from Germany’s Borussia Dortmund in 2019 for a reported $73 million transfer fee.
Pulisic owns 14 goals in 34 USMNT caps, and his return bodes well for when Gregg Berhalter’s group reconvenes. They’re reportedly gathering for a pair of friendlies in November’s international window against Australia and Wales.
Dest makes Barca history
USMNT outside back Sergiño Dest made some history, becoming the first American player to start for famed Spanish club FC Barcelona.
Head coach Ronald Koeman gave the 19-year-old the starting nod at left back for Saturday's match away against Getafe, after he previously made a 15-minute substitute appearance against Sevilla before the October international break. Dest played all 90 minutes as Barcelona lost their first game of the season, falling 1-0 to the home side.
Back on Oct. 1, Dest was transferred from Ajax to Barca for a reported $25 million fee. Reports of the five-year deal also mentioned that it includes a contract buyout clause of $450 million.
Reyna keeps Dortmund place
USMNT hopeful and New York City FC academy product Giovanni Reyna went 90 minutes in Borussia Dortmund's 1-0 win over Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim.
Reyna, 17, has one goal and four assists so far this season after spending last year in a reserve role with the German club. It drew him level with former MLS defenders Heath Pearce and Frankie Hejduk on Bundesliga appearances:
Adams returns for Leipzig
Tyler Adams, after missing RB Leipzig’s Oct. 3 game against FC Schalke 04 due to a minor back injury, played 90 minutes in their 2-0 win Saturday over Augsburg.
He's seen time at center back for the Champions League-level side in 2020-21, though most often features in midfield.
Sargent, Brooks stay strong
The positive day for USMNT players in Germany continued with Josh Sargent, who started and played 90 minutes in Werder Bremen's 1-1 draw with SC Freiburg.
Sargent, a 20-year-old striker, has now started all four of Bremen's Bundesliga games this season. His first goal still awaits, though, after he netted four during the 2019-20 campaign.
USMNT center back John Brooks also started for Wolfsburg in their match against Borussia Monchengladbach. The 27-year-old went the full 90 as the match finished in a 1-1 draw. Wolfsburg currently sit in 13th place in the Bundesliga.
England League One duo
It was an encouraging Saturday for Sunderland midfielder Lynden Gooch during a 2-0 win over League One side Swindon City, whipping in a left-footed cross on Charlie Wyke's 37th-minute goal.
Gooch, 24, has been with The Black Cats since 2015. He's earned four USMNT caps, with the last coming in a May 2018 friendly against Bolivia.
As for US youth international forward Indiana Vassilev, he started and played 88 minutes for Burton Albion in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Bristol Rovers.
Vassilev, 19, is on loan at the League One side from Premier League outfit Aston Villa. It was also his longest appearance for Burton as he continues to adjust to his new club.
