All American Heroes: Rating Serie A’s US Stars | OneFootball

There was a time when they were a rarity but United States players are starting to be much more common in Italy. Giancarlo Rinaldi casts an eye over how they performed for their respective clubs.

When Alexi Lalas signed for Padova more than 30 years ago, it was something of a novelty. It has taken the best part of three decades for a real American revolution to happen in Serie A. This season there have been no fewer than five United States players in Italy’s top division – and they have enjoyed very differing fortunes up and down the table. With many clubs in American ownership – and more in the pipeline – it is perhaps something we will be getting used to in the years to come.

Christian Pulisic (Milan) – 8/10 In a season which left Rossoneri fans venting their frustration in no uncertain fashion, the former Chelsea man was surely exempt from their wrath. A scorer in their Supercoppa triumph, he enjoyed what was arguably the best campaign of his career with more than 20 goal involvements in the league. It was all the more remarkable because other big names around him notably failed to shine. If anyone deserves to be part of the latest overhaul at the Milanese giants going forward it is surely him.

Yunus Musah (Milan) – 5.5/10 It was a troublesome second season in red and black for the young midfielder as he flitted in and out of the side with alarming inconsistency. Some of that might have been down to the club’s chopping and changing of coaches but just the same he failed to really kick on after a good first term in Italy. He provided energy and drive but overall there was the impression that neither he nor his club would be too unhappy if he moved on in the summer.

epa11889200 Juventus’ Weston McKennie (L) celebrates with his teammates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the UEFA Champions League play-offs first leg soccer match between Juventus FC and PSV Eindhoven, in Turin, Italy, 11 February 2025. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

Weston McKennie (Juventus) – 7/10 Considering that he looked surplus to requirements for the Thiago Motta era, his comeback to stalwart status was pretty remarkable. His adaptability and application were admirable and, in a Bianconeri side which underwhelmed again this season, he was a decent performer. Not the most spectacular, perhaps, but he chipped in a few goals – notably in the Champions League – which showed there was maybe more to his game than many had suspected.

Timothy Weah (Juventus) – 6/10 Sometimes, versatility can be a drawback for a player in terms of consistency, and that certainly felt like the case for the son of Serie A legend George Weah. He made most of his appearances at right back but played pretty much everywhere across the front line and midfield as he plugged gaps in a Juve side which struggled for a real identity. Nobody could fault his professionalism in playing wherever he was asked but it was probably counter-productive in terms of his impact across the campaign.

Gianluca Busio (Venezia) 6.5/10 It felt like a bit of a setback season for the bustling midfielder who has been a star on the lagoons since he moved from Sporting Kansas City in 2021. Having been at the heart of their promotion push last term, it seemed like coach Eusebio Di Francesco lost a bit of faith in him as his team fought to avoid relegation. Nonetheless, he remained a decent performer for the Arancioneroverdi and there is more than a sneaking suspicion that he could have a future in the top division – even if his team does not.