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HomeFootballPulisic, Sargent, Cardoso headline Henry's Americans Abroad Best XI

Pulisic, Sargent, Cardoso headline Henry’s Americans Abroad Best XI

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 positive 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, Jonathan Klinsmann jumping back into a No. 1 role, and Richie Ledezma logged ample minutes in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Here is a closer look at Larry Henry Jr’s Best XI for the past international season:


2024-25 SBI Americans Abroad Best XI


Jonathan Klinsmann, Cesena

JK

28-year-old Jonathan Klinsmann racked up ample minutes in Serie B with Cesena.

The son of former USMNT head coach Jurgen, Jonathan made 29 appearances for the seventh-place finishers, helping Cesena reach the promotion playoffs before falling to Catanzaro. Klinsmann registered eight clean sheets in the process, setting a new career-best in single-season appearances.

Ethan Horvath endured relegation with Cardiff City, but still did well in limited opportunities.


Richie Ledezma, PSV

ledezma 5

Richie Ledezma was thrown into the right back role at PSV and did not disappoint.

Ledezma logged 2,540 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

CCV 22

Cameron Carter-Vickers’ trophy cabinet is getting filled fast.

Carter-Vickers played a leading role once again for Scottish champions Celtic, logging 42 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 2026 USMNT duty despite being left out of the Gold Cup roster.


Chris Richards, Crystal Palace

Richards 8

Chris Richards enjoyed his best season yet at club level.

The 25-year-old defender has made 29 combined appearances for Crystal Palace this season, scoring one goal, and adding one assist. Richards helped Crystal Palace win the FA Cup, qualify for Europe, and enjoy a positive end of the league season.

He has entered USMNT camp on high note, earning Gold Cup group stage Best XI honors as well.

Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie both enjoyed positive moments throughout their club seasons and will remain in the USMNT plan for the fall/winter.


Antonee Robinson, Fulham

Robinson 15

One season after a career-best year for Fulham, Antonee Robinson has impressed yet again.

Robinson was one of Fulham’s best players this season, registering 10 assists in 36 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.

His absence from the USMNT roster certainly hurts, but keeping Robinson fresh for the new season is just as important.

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

T. Adams 7

Bournemouth fans were finally able to see the best version of Tyler Adams this season.

Adams returned to full fitness for the Cherries, making 32 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 heading into 2026 will be key, especially given his track record of missing ample time in recent years.

Gianluca Busio remained a consistent performer for Serie A side Venezia, earning Honorable Mention honors for this spot. Busio scored two goals in 33 appearances, logging over 2,500 minutes of action.


Johnny Cardoso, Real Betis

JC 7

There might not have been a more productive American midfielder this season than Johnny Cardoso.

Cardoso made 46 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 looks set for a move to Atletico Madrid, continuing his rise at club level.

Paxten Aaronson enjoyed a positive loan spell with FC Utrecht, continuing what has been a strong start to his European career. He will now aim to play a large role in the Eintracht Frankfurt squad for the 2025-26 Bundesliga campaign.


Malik Tillman, PSV

Malik Tillman 6

Moving to PSV has been the spark for Malik Tillman in his club career.

Tillman scored 16 goals and added five 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 come out of nowhere to retain the Eredivisie title.

He has since carried that production over to the USMNT this summer.

Weston McKennie enjoyed a productive campaign for Juventus, scoring five goals in 47 appearances. The USMNT midfielder should remain a starting option in Igor Tudor’s squad going forward.


Christian Pulisic, AC Milan

Pulisic 34

Christian Pulisic has surely enjoyed life in Milan.

The USMNT star has delivered another stellar season for the Rossoneri, providing 17 goals and 12 assists to date. Pulisic logged 3,650 minutes, winning the Supercoppa Italiana trophy.

Although he missed USMNT duty for rest, Pulisic remains the program’s leader heading into 2026.

Griffin Yow has continued to take steps forward for Belgian club Westerlo, scoring eight goals to date this season. Yow could be on the move this summer, but may remain in Belgium with several clubs calling.


Haji Wright, Coventry City

Haji Wright

Haji Wright has made the most of his time in the EFL Championship.

The 27-year-old led Coventry City with 12 goals this season, returning from an ankle injury to help Frank Lampard’s reach the promotion playoffs. Wright’s physicality and versatility has led to him playing in multiple offensive roles, a theme that could’ve led to a large USMNT role if not for his recent Achilles injury.

Ricardo Pepi bounced in-and-out of the PSV starting lineup this season, but still contributed when called upon. Pepi totaled 17 goals to his name in all competitions, opening the door to a potential move elsewhere.


Josh Sargent, Norwich City

Sargent 9

Josh Sargent made it double-digit goals for the second-consecutive season.

The Missouri native 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 and Norwich Player of the Season honors.

Whether or not Sargent remains at Norwich City this summer remains to be seen, but if it was his last campaign at Carrow Road, he will go down as one of the club’s more recent positive signings.

Alex Zendejas continued to be one of Liga MX’s consistent offensive threats. Zendejas registered 12 goals and 12 assists for Club America, helping the club win the Apertura title and reach the Clausura final.


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.

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