USMNT winger Emmanuel Sabbi is on fire in Ligue 1 with Le Havre, after netting a brace at the weekend to defeat second-place Nice 3-1.
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Sabbi scores brace for Le HavreShares how French side have welcomed himWants to further USMNT careerGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Speaking to AmericanSoccerNow, Sabbi opened up on the success he is having in France with the club, on making his USMNT debut in 2023 and what the future will hold for him. The 26-year-old says it was a "dream come true" to break through on the national stage, and now with the support of all at the club behind him, it's only uphill from here.
AdvertisementWHAT SABBI SAID ABOUT PLAYING FOR LE HAVRE
“It was really just joy and excitement to give the fans what they’ve been so patiently waiting for,” Sabbi said. “It’s an amazing group, they help me everyday and the fans are so supportive and it was an even better feeling to get me first and second for the club at home in front of our amazing supporters. Everything I’ve been dreaming of and working towards and just want to continue to work and get better everyday I’m blessed to be on the pitch.
"It’s been amazing – the weather, people, club, town, and teammates have all been great,” he continued. “My teammates have welcomed me with open arms into the team as one of their own; the staff and players are also great and down to earth. The town and fans are wonderful especially at Stade Oceane.”
GettyWHAT SABBI SAID ABOUT REPRESENTING THEUSMNT
“It was a very exciting and humbling moment for me and my family,” Sabbi said of his USMNT debut in 2023. “I had been working all my life for that moment. I believe God’s timing is the best, so I will continue to work on my game and help my team. Hopefully it brings points, goals, and assists and I believe I’ll get my chance when the time is right. Making the USMNT has been my dream and goal since I touched a ball as a young boy – to be able to play on the senior national team and succeed.”
“My goals are to continue to grow, assist my teammates and to hopefully have the nets ringing,” he added. “Likewise, I intend on working hard for the club and fans. We have a solid team, very good as a group and it will definitely continue to show. I believe in these guys and we believe in ourselves as a collective.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Sabbi is one of many wingers in the USMNT pool, and it will be tough to crack in, especially with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Kevin Paredes, Malik Tillman and Gio Reyna ahead of him. However, not one player is like-for-like, so Sabbi could bring a different identity to the pitch if coach Gregg Berhalter so desires.