While most Americans playing in Europe are concentrated in England and Germany, there are several players and prospects from the United States scattered throughout the rest of the continent. Here’s a look at what to expect during the 2017-2018 season for five Europe-based Americans.
Matt Miazga (Defender) - Vitesse
After a successful 2016-2017 season, Matt Miazga returns on loan to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem. Miazga didn’t feature in Vitesse’s first competitive fixture, a Dutch SuperCup loss to Feyenoord, but his loan was only finalized on July 28th. He will be expected to quickly re-establish himself as a key starter for the team. Miazga will have ample opportunities to impress Bruce Arena, as Vitesse is in the Europa League after winning last season’s Dutch Cup.
Ethan Horvath (Goalkeeper) - Club Brugge
Ethan Horvath looks to be the starting keeper for Club Brugge, having played in all of the team’s matches so far this season (2 Champions League games and 2 league games). He struggled in the team’s Champions League qualifier against Istanbul Başakşehir, conceding 5 goals over 2 legs, but bounced back with a shutout in his first league match. A good year in Belgium may enable Horvath to find a way onto the USMNT 2018 World Cup roster.
Kenny Saief (Midfielder) - Gent
Kenny Saief is currently out for several months after hernia surgery that led to an infection. Before the operation, Saief was projected to be Gent’s starting left midfielder. Upon recovery he may face a tough battle to reclaim his starting role, as Gent has several promising young left midfielders.
Perry Kitchen (Midfielder) - Randers
Perry Kitchen has played 90 minutes in Randers’s first four games and looks firmly entrenched as a starter. Randers is currently last in the Danish Superliga and facing a relegation battle. Kitchen will need a stellar season if he hopes to receive more opportunities with the USMNT.
Rubio Rubin (Forward) - Stabaek
After struggling to find the field the past two seasons at FC Utrecht, Rubio Rubin joined Norwegian side Stabaek. Stabaek is in the middle of its season (the Norwegian season runs from March to November) Rubin and has yet to make an appearance. It will be difficult for him to break into the team after arriving in the middle of the season. Rubin is unlikely to feature for the national team in 2017 or 2018, but is only 21 and still has plenty of potential.
How do you think these Americans will fare during their respective club seasons?