Americans Abroad Player of the Week: John Brooks
25/09/2023 15:00
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Hoffenheim are flying high right now in the German Bundesliga and veteran defender John Brooks has been key during the club’s recent impressive run of form.
Brooks logged his latest 90 minutes for Hoffenheim in Saturday’s 2-0 road win over Union Berlin, extending their winning run to four matches. The 30-year-old was strong in defense, winning four duels, making 12 clearances, one interception, and five recoveries.
Brooks has continued to be a stalwart in Matarazzo’s backline once again this season, logging five appearances and one goal to date. Most importantly, Hoffenheim is fifth in the Bundesliga standings, losing just once through its opening five matches of the campaign.
A tricky Matchday 6 test with Borussia Dortmund is coming up for Hoffenheim next weekend before a trip to Werder Bremen ahead of the October international break. Brooks’ strong start to the season very well could earn him a spot in Gregg Berhalter’s lineup, pending he remains healthy and in good form.
Here is a look at some of the other top Americans Abroad performers from this past week:
Antonee Robinson
Fulham claimed one point in Saturday’s London Derby draw with Crystal Palace while Antonee Robinson returned in defense.
Robinson played 90 minutes at left back, returning to action after a muscular injury forced him out last weekend. The 25-year-old was stellar for the Cottagers, completing two tackles, making four interceptions, and 11 recoveries as Fulham registered back-to-back clean sheets.
Yunus Musah
It was a memorable first start of the Serie A season for Yunus Musah.
Musah logged 90 minutes as AC Milan rebounded with a 1-0 league victory over Hellas Verona. The 20-year-old came into Saturday’s match with only 46 combined minutes under his belt this season, but impressed at the San Siro.
Musah won eight of his 13 duels and made nine recoveries, rewarding manager Stefano Pioli with a positive performance.
Luca De La Torre
A late Barcelona comeback ruined Celta Vigo’s chances of an upset victory at the Camp Nou, but midfielder Luca De La Torre still walked away with a confidence boost regardless.
De La Torre registered one assist in Saturday’s 3-2 loss, playing 90 minutes for the second time this campaign. The 25-year-old won three duels, created one offensive opportunity, and made one block as he finished the match as one of the top performers for Rafa Benitez’s squad.
De La Torre will now hope for continued minutes this fall.
Sam Rogers
Sam Rogers left Norwegian side Rosenborg for Lillestrom earlier this summer and had the last laugh in Sunday’s head-to-head Eliteserien showdown.
Rogers helped Lillestrom earn a 3-0 home victory against his former club, impressing in defense. The 24-year-old made five recoveries and two interceptions, to go along with his three duels won.
Rogers has made three starts since his permanent move from Rosenborg, jumping right back into a starting role in Norway.
What did you think of these individual performances this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
