Americans Abroad: Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie look to make club impact after USMNT camp

The international break is over, and the attention returns to Europe. Mauricio Pochettino’s first camp as USMNT manager was an admittedly mixed bag, with some tactical ideas developed, but a split of matches against Panama and Mexico proving slightly underwhelming.

Still, those results will certainly be building blocks, and club football now comes back into focus. For the USMNT, the usual suspects are expected, some of whom were controversially released from the U.S. camp after the first of the two friendlies.

Christian Pulisic, a week after being sent home early, should be back in the mix for Milan. Meanwhile, a few other big names will feature for their clubs, the post international break haze clearing.

GOAL looks at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans abroad as Pulisic and teammates return to action for their clubs.

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  Can Christian Pulisic’s legs hold up?

  A rather puzzling talking point from last week’s international break was Pochettino’s management of Pulisic. The USMNT cut an exhausted figure against Panama; it was a real miracle that he made it through an hour. Pochettino – at Milan’s request – sent Pulisic home, citing the need for his legs to get some rest.

  And that all made sense, in theory. The question is now: what comes next? Milan return to action with an against Udinese on Saturday – and will hope to snatch three points off its surprise contenders for a European spot.

  Pulisic will be key to that effort. He leads Milan in goal contributions, goals per 90 minutes, and chances created. In short, the Rossonieri aren’t the same without a fit and firing Pulisic. He will need to show up – ideally with fresh legs – to make things happen.

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    Paxten Aaronson to make a case?

    There was a school of thought that, after Folarin Balogun picked up a shoulder injury, Paxten Aaronson could be the answer to round out Pochettino’s USMNT squad. After all, the versatile attacking midfielder had surprised as a No. 9 at the Olympics, and after scoring a couple of goals for Utrecht, might have done enough to earn a look.

    It wasn’t to be, of course, and he watched from home as the USMNT were shut out by Mexico. Either way, his club form has been impressive of late – with two goals in his last two games before the international break.

    The good news for the youngster is that there just might be an opening in Poch’s squad next month. Gio Reyna won’t be back, and Balogun is expected to be out, too.

    And with Brandon Vazquez failing to impress through the middle, Aaronson could seize a spot. It all starts this weekend with a clash against mid-table Groningen. A few good performances could put him in contention for a spot.

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    Antonee Robinson needs to get back on track

    It was a mixed international break for Robinson. He was excellent against Panama, all energy and legs in an advanced position on the left. His attacking nous was instrumental in the U.S. opener, while he made some vital defensive recoveries, to boot.

    The same can’t be said in the Mexico game, when the Fulham man had a pretty miserable performance.

    He’s not exactly being handed an easy fixture to rebound in. Aston Villa have been among the better teams in the Premier League this year, and are once again pushing for a Champions League spot. It will require a more resilient defensive performance from Robinson, as well as some opportunistic attacking moments.

    Unai Emery’s side will be tough to beat, but a solid showing from Robinson, in front of a home crowd, feeding an in-form Raul Jimenez, could be a good start.

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    Weston McKennie to rediscover his fitness

    How frustrating must it be to be McKennie sometimes? The midfielder is shifted in and out of lineups, and after figuring to play a key role for Pochettino, was among those sent home before the Mexico game.

    It’s unclear if he could have actually played for the USMNT. After all, he had appeared for Juventus on a number of occasions before the international break – and had turned in a series of good showings for Thiago Motta.

    It now becomes a question of rediscovering that form. Like Pulisic, he might have benefitted from a bit of recovery time, especially as the games will come thick and fast for the Bianconeri. Lazio are first this Saturday, and will make for a tricky opponent.

    It may well be an ugly midfield battle, with Matteo Guendouzi, in particular, holding it down for their top four rivals. McKennie, if he’s fit, will have to be up for the scrap.