Americans Abroad Player of the Week: Richie Ledezma
09/16/2024 10:00 AM
Richie Ledezma’s resurgence at right back continued for PSV as the reigning champions remained perfect in Eredvisie play Saturday.
Ledezma logged his latest 90 minutes in PSV’s 2-0 home victory over NEC Nijmegen. The 24-year-old earned SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors, continuing to be a regular in Peter Bosz’s squad. He completed 95% of his passes, made 15 defensive recoveries, and drew one foul at his right back slot.
Ledezma, who made his name to date as an attacking midfielder, has made the most of his new opportunities in the squad. Now he will gear up for a head-to-head showdown with Serie A side Juventus, as well as fellow U.S. men’s national team teammates Tim Weah and Weston McKennie.
A new lease on life could also helped Ledezma force his way back into the USMNT picture this October as Mauricio Pochettino takes over as head coach.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic returned to play with a bang for AC Milan.
Pulisic scored one penalty kick goal and added one assist in a 4-0 Serie A triumph over Venezia. The USMNT attacker set up Youssouf Fofana on a corner kick for AC Milan’s second goal of the first half before scoring from the spot not long after.
Pulisic delivered a strong 79 minutes in the match.
Brandon Vazquez
Make it three-straight goalscoring performances for Brandon Vazquez.
Vazquez scored after four minutes in Monterrey’s eventual 2-0 road Liga MX win over Santos Laguna. The former FC Cincinnati standout’s top-shelf finish propelled Monterrey on their way to their third road win of the summer schedule.
Vazquez will continue to earn starts with goals coming at a premium.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
Another clean sheet victory for Scottish leaders Celtic featured a dominant performance from Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Carter-Vickers logged 90 minutes in defense as Celtic defeated visiting Hearts 2-0 in Glasgow. The USMNT defender won seven duels, made six interceptions, and seven recoveries as Brendan Rodgers’ men stayed perfect at 5-0-0 in league play.
Now, UEFA Champions League play starts up this week for Carter-Vickers and Co.
Luca Koleosho
Burnley earned a statement win on Saturday with dual-national attacker Luca Koleosho delivering the winner at Elland Road.
Koleosho capped off a fantastic Burnley counter attack in an eventual 1-0 road triumph. The winger’s right-footed finish nestled into the bottom-left corner after 18 minutes, giving Scott Parker’s squad a lead they wouldn’t relinquish on the road.
Despite reported interest of a move away earlier this summer, Koleosho looks set to play a key part for the Clarets.
What did you think of these individual performances this past weekend? Was there anyone left off the list that you would’ve added?
Share your thoughts below.
