GOAL looks back at the very best of the USMNT's stars abroad, position-by-position, for the 2024-25 season
Here's a spoiler: Christian Pulisic makes the cut. So, too, does Antonee Robinson. When looking back at the season for Americans Abroad, however, there are some difficult choices to make when narrowing it down to a Best XI, position-by-position.
This European season was an up-and-down adventure for the U.S. men's national team's top players overseas. There were trophy wins and losses in big finals. There were big promotions and heartbreaking relegations. Injuries wreaked havoc on some key players, while multiple young stars worked to shed that "young" label to earn the star one outright.
There were some tough calls, and a few surprising selections. In a season in which multiple attackers had hot streaks, who joins Pulisic in the attack, for example? Multiple center-back won trophies, but which make the XI? In a season in which the goalkeeping position was so rough – like, really rough – who earns the nod in net?
With the 2024-25 season complete, GOAL selects Americans Abroad Best XI.
Getty Images SportGK: Jonathan Klinsmann
A big shoutout to Klinsmann, who definitely took a big leap forward with Cesena this season. After never fully seizing a chance with the LA Galaxy, Klinsmann did just that with the Serie B side, emerging as a solid starter for a team that finished seventh in the league.
If his father, former USMNT boss Jurgen, is to be believed, clubs in bigger leagues are keeping an eye on him, too.
Klinsmann's selection here is just as about the rest of the USMNT goalkeeper pool, though. Matt Turner hardly played. Ethan Horvath was relegated. Diego Kochen got close to a Barca breakthrough, making the bench several times, but remained with Barca B. It wasn't a great year for the goalkeepers, to put it mildly.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportLB: Antonee Robinson
No doubts here. When you finish with double-digit Premier League assists despite playing fullback, you're a pretty easy choice.
Robinson racked up 10 assists in England's top flight, leaving him tied for fourth in the league. The Fulham star looked destined for more, too, before his pace slowed down massively in a period that just so happened to coincide with an injury.
If Robinson was fully fit, we might be talking about one of the best seasons from a fullback in Premier League history. It was an incredible campaign for Robinson, though, and the USMNT will be eager to get him back once he's healthy.
Getty Images SportCB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
This spot was always going to go to one of the Celtic defenders, given their title success. The only question was which one. Auston Trusty was generally good during his first season in Scotland, featuring 22 times in the league and 10 more in the Champions League.
There were certainly some good moments in there, but Carter-Vickers gets the final nod. The Celtic veteran was ever-present throughout the season, lifting his fourth league title and third League Cup since joining the Scottish giants.
AFPCB: Chris Richards
Another trophy winner here, although this one was significantly more unexpected.
Richards helped lead Crystal Palace to a historic FA Cup win, serving as an anchor in their back three all the way up through their final victory over Manchester City. It truly was a breakout season for Richards, who firmly established himself as a Premier League-level defender with his performances both in the cup and throughout the league campaign.
A shoutout to Mark McKenzie, though, as he misses out despite a strong season at Toulouse.