Patrick Agyemang looks to carry Derby Country success into USMNT March Matchups | OneFootball

Patrick Agyemang wasted no time showing U.S. Men’s National Team fans what he could do on the pitch when he scored in his first and second international appearances just over a year ago. Since then, the 25-year-old has continued to impress on the world and club level.

The striker began his professional career in 2023 with Major League Soccer’s Charlotte FC before transferring last summer to EFL Championship side Derby County. He made his club debut in September and currently leads the team with 10 goals in all competitions this season.

“When I got to England, it was obviously an adjustment factor, but as I've grown into the person and player that I am now, it's been amazing,” Agyemang said on Monday ahead of the USMNT matches in Atlanta. “I feel myself building in all types of areas, on and off the field, and I think it could obviously translate here as well.”

Agyemang scored five goals in his 12 appearances with the U.S. in 2025 and was one of six forwards named to head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 27-player roster for the upcoming matches against Belgium and Portugal. The attacking group also features Folarin Balogun, who has scored 13 goals in all competitions for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco, and Ricardo Pepi, who has recorded 13 goals in all competitions for PSV Eindhoven. The roster didn’t include Coventry City leading goalscorer Haji Wright, who Pochettino mentioned last week was unavailable due to injury.

Agyemang recognizes the success of other forwards in the USMNT player pool and welcomes the friendly competition but tries to focus on himself as he aims to make the 26-player World Cup roster.

“It's good to see all the boys doing well,” he said. “With the national team, it’s always competitive. You're competing against a lot of top guys, and all those boys are really good players. It's just me focusing on myself. I like to dial into what I can control and keep working hard. It's a great feeling just to be in the mix. You just want to keep working hard, to push yourself in order to be hopefully selected.”

Agyemang’s former Charlotte FC teammate and current USMNT defender Tim Ream praised the striker and his development since moving overseas and said he sees a long career ahead for Agyemang.

“Everything is developed a little bit more, and he's still not finished,” Ream said. “That's the scary thing and the really good thing. I watch him, and he looks confident. It's impressive to see what he's done in a short amount of time, and hopefully that continues on.”