Action in Germany returned this weekend, which saw several young players pick up quality minutes. Here’s a look back:
DNP = did not play
FRIDAY
Luis Gil (Queretaro | MEX): His first start for the club, Gil put in a full shift and an admirable performance. Los Gallos win 3-0.
Jonathan Bornstein (Queretaro | MEX): No, it seems unlikely he’s in the USMNT picture at the moment, and while his ship has likely sailed he did play 90′ and looked really solid doing it.
Joe Corona (Dorados | MEX): In 18, DNP in loss to Queretaro. Things are not looking great for Joe at the moment. Struggling to break into any sort of club situation he’s in.
Desevio Payne (Groningen | NED): After starting off on the bench, Payne was a sub as the first half ended and finished out the game. It’s exciting to see a talented prospect like this youngster start to make a name for himself. Needs to keep pushing for meaningful minutes.
Shawn Barry (FSV Frankfurt | GER): Two friendlies this past weekend (Fri, Sat), in which he didn’t start either. Unclear if he saw playing time or not.
Paul Arriola (Tijuana | MEX): Entered off the bench in the 78′ to see out the game. 3-1 loss to Santos Laguna.
SATURDAY
Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt | GER): Started, played 68′ and picked up a yellow in Ingolstadt’s 1-0 win.
John Brooks (Hertha Berlin | GER): Started, played 90′ in 0-0 draw with Augsburg. Nearly scored off a corner late in the match and was overall defensively sound. Last week’s rumor to Schalke has been squashed. Unlikely now that he makes any move until the summer.
Fabian Johnson (Gladbach | GER): It was a tough day for Johnson, who played the entire match and nearly had an assist – but little else. The Foals were effectively shut down by Dortmund, and Johnson was no different.
Christian Pulisic (Dortmund | GER): In the 18, DNP. Christian’s first callup to the squad for Dortmund – a big club in Germany and Europe – is something of note and a highlight of the weekend. Not only does it show the promise he has, but also the trust he’s building with the club manager, Tuchel. If he continues to apply himself, there is hope we will see him sooner rather than later. The hype train has left the station.
A day later, Pulisic started, played 90′, scored a GOAL and had an assist in Dortmund’s 3-1 friendly win over Union Berlin & Bobby Wood.
3:1 – @cpulisic_10 und Ramos treffen beim Test gegen @fcunion! Zum Spielbericht: https://t.co/fhdgTUkInP pic.twitter.com/8QhXLtFIW2
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) January 24, 2016
Full video of Pulisic goal: https://t.co/ZA7hKYhXFD via @markmickelson13
— Travis Clark (@travismclark) January 24, 2016
DeAndre Yedlin (Sunderland | ENG): In the 18, DNP.
Geoff Cameron (Stoke City | ENG): Out injured.
Brad Guzan (Aston Villa | ENG): In the 18, DNP. This is not good.
Danny Williams (Reading | ENG): 90′ played in 1-1 draw.
Eric Lichaj (Nottingham Forest | ENG): 90′, picked up a yellow. Nice win over then-league leaders Middlesbrough.
Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City | ENG): In 18, DNP.
Duane Holmes (Huddersfield Town | ENG): In 18, DNP.
Tim Ream (Fulham | ENG): 90′ in 1-0 loss to Hull. FFC are really struggling.
Emerson Hyndman (Fulham | ENG): Played the final 13′ in loss (pictured in the featured image above).
Gboly Ariyibi (Chesterfield | ENG): Started, 65′ in the book.
Cody Cropper (MK Dons | ENG): In 18, DNP.
Lyden Gooch (Doncaster Rovers | ENG): 90′ for Gooch in his debut for Rovers. Though a short loan spell (1 month) confirmed last week, great to see Gooch gain valuable minutes.
Video: Highlights of Lyndon Gooch’s debut for Doncaster. https://t.co/2amtUzlCpx #SAFC
— Andy (@SAFCsource) January 24, 2016
Alejandro Bedoya (FC Nantes | FRA): Started, scored a GOAL in 2-2 draw with Bordeaux. Had a very nice game, but the team gave up two late goals and two big points.
Alejandro Bedoya Goal HD – Nantes 2-0 Bordeaux… by Football—-Live
Ventura Alvarado (Club America | MEX): 90′ in a loss for Alvarado, who was given new life under a new coach. Needs to do better with it, but by no means has been awful.
Omar Gonzalez (Pachuca | MEX): 90′ for Omar, who is performing exceptionally well along the Pachuca backline. The club are definitely emerging as title contenders.
Edgar Castillo (Monterrey | MEX): In 18, played final 10′ in 1-0 win.
William Yarbrough (Club Leon | MEX): Started, 90′. Nice 3-2 win for Leon over Cruz Azul.
SUNDAY
Tim Howard (Everton | ENG): 90′ between the sticks, but Everton drop points vs lowly Swansea 2-1.
Jose Torres (Tigres | MEX): In 18, DNP.
Shaquell Moore (Real Oviedo Vetusta | ESP): Unclear how much time he played, but he scored a GOAL for the team in 1-0 win. Hope to see him in the 18 for Oviedo soon as he settles in.
MONDAY
Gedion Zelalem (Rangers | SCO): Started, played 58′ for Rangers who at time of writing are up 2-0 late.
Featured Image courtesy of ISI Photos/Joe Toth
