After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup American football, or soccer, underwent a serious rebuild. From top to bottom. And now, four years on, they’re slowly starting to see the benefits with an unprecedented number of talented players venturing to Europe and playing for some of the biggest clubs in the world. Below we take a look at the 10 best American players in FIFA 22:
The 10 Best American Players in FIFA 22
10. Cristian Roldán (Seattle Sounders: RM, CAM, CF) – Overall Ability: 75
The first of three players on the list still playing their football in the US, Cristian Roldán is an attacking midfielder often deployed out wide, but perhaps more suited to the CAM role. Rated 75 overall with a potential of 78, the 26-year-old can pick a pass and unlock defences with 78 short passing and 75 vision. Off the ball he has a high footballing IQ and often utilises 75 positioning to find pockets of space in between the lines. If Roldán is to make it at the highest level then he’ll need to improve his end product with both finishing and crossing but in the mid-60s.
9. Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew: CM, CDM) – Overall Ability: 76
A combative, defensive midfielder with bags of energy Darlington Nagbe has enjoyed a solid career in the MLS making over 300 combined appearances for Portland Timbers, Atlanta United and Columbus Crew. Aged 30, and rated 76 overall, Nagbe is unlikely to improve in the future but he still does a job protecting the back four. 82 stamina shows he has bags of energy, pair that with 86 short passing and Nagbe is effective at recycling possession and distributing the ball to those who are more creative and dangerous in the final third.
8. Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig: CDM, CM) – Overall Ability: 76
Aged just 22, Tyler Adams is a regular starter for Red Bull Leipzig and is already closing in on 100 senior appearances for the German club. A versatile midfielder the American youngster is capable of playing a number of positions and roles including out wide, but thrives centrally where he’s able to dictate play with 79 short passing, 76 composure and 72 vision. 86 stamina means he also has the fitness levels required to play the box to box role. Rated 76 overall, but with a potential of 81, Adams is tipped to become a top talent in years to come and it’s easy to see why. The kid’s special.
7. Sergino Dest (Barcelona: RB, RW, RM) – Overall Ability: 77
After graduating from the famous Ajax academy, 20-year-old American right back Sergino Dest now plays for Barcelona, where he’s fast becoming a first team regular. Rated 77 overall with a potential of 84 in FIFA 22, Dest is similar to most modern full backs in that he’s more effective going forward than he is defending. That said, the youngster’s defensive game has improved since signing for the Catalans in 2020 with both standing and sliding tackles now rated 72. At the other end of the pitch Dest relies heavily on 84 sprint speed, 83 dribbling and 74 crossing. And it’s this attacking skill set that allows Dest to operate as a right winger when and where required.
6. Matthew Turner (New England Revolution: GK) – Overall Ability: 77
The US are in safe hands for years to come with two goalkeepers making it into their top ten players in FIFA 22. Matthew Turner of New England Revolution is the first of the two, and at 6ft 3inches tall, he’s an absolute beast between the sticks. Rated 77 overall with a potential of 79, he’s by no means a world beater but with 79 goalkeeper position, 77 reflexes and 74 handling he’s a steady pair of hands. The less said about Turner’s ability with the ball at his feet the better. The 27-year-old’s not one for playing out from the back with both short and long passing attributes in the twenties. Just get rid, lad.
5. Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund: CAM, RM, LM) – Overall Ability: 77
19-year-old Giovanni Reyna continues to turn heads in Europe. A regular starter for Borussia Dortmund, the creative attacking midfielder has already racked up over 50 senior club appearances. Technically gifted, Reyna is part of a new American generation who are comfortable on the ball, creative and can beat a man. 85 dribbling, 79 ball control, 79 short passing and 78 vision show he has the attributes needed to carve open defences. Rated 77 overall with a potential of 87, Reyna is expected to develop into an elite player in years to come, so when you consider he has a release clause of just €41.8million in FIFA 22, he’s an absolute bargain.
4. Weston McKennie (Juventus: CM, RM, LM) – Overall Ability: 78
Another American youngster thriving in Europe is Weston McKennie. The versatile midfielder is well rounded in all aspects of the game and can operate an either flank or through the middle. 86 stamina in FIFA 22 shows he has the legs to get up and down the pitch no matter what position he’s playing, and with 82 sprint speed and 81 acceleration McKennie has a quick turn of pace. He’s composed too. With 79 short passing, 78 ball control and 77 dribbling the Juventus youngster is comfortable on the ball. For his age McKennie is incredibly mature and effective at both ends of the pitch. 79 standing tackles and 75 defensive awareness allow him to break up play and protect his back four, whilst at the other end of the pitch 73 finishing shows he has the ability to chip in with goals. He has a potential ability of 82 in FIFA 22.
3. John Brook (Wolfsburg: CB) – Overall Ability: 78
Despite representing Germany at youth level, centre back John Brook eventually decided to switch allegiance and play for the United States after impressing at boyhood club Hertha Berlin as a teenager. Now 28, and more experienced, Brook has made over 200 Bundesliga appearances and is closing in on 50 international caps.
Standing almost 6 ft 4 inches tall, the centre back is, as you’d expect, dominant in the air with 84 heading accuracy, 84 strength and 74 jumping. On the ground he’s equally as good. Particularly in one vs. one situations with 82 standing tackles and 77 defensive awareness. Like most modern centre backs Brook is capable of playing out from the back with 74 short and long passing. Rated 78 overall with a potential of 79 the 28-year-old provides stability, experience and composure at the back.
2. Zack Steffen (Manchester City: GK) – Overall Ability: 78
Currently playing understudy to Ederson at Manchester City, Zack Steffen is learning from one of the best in the business. An excellent shot stopper, the 26-year-old has 83 reflexes, 79 diving and 74 handling in FIFA 22. Many believe Steffen is the best goalkeeper to come out of the States since Brad Friedel. And to be honest, it’s hard to disagree considering his overall rating of 78 and potential of 82. As is the way with most modern goalkeepers Steffen’s distribution is second to none. 75 goalkeeper kicking means he has the ability to play out from the back and, where required, play as a sweeper.
1. Christian Pulisic (Chelsea: LW, RW, LM) – Overall Ability: 82
USA’s poster boy and hottest talent since Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, Christian Pulisic is living up to the hype. Rated 82 overall with a potential of 88 the 22-year-old winger is already making a name for himself in Europe having won the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Club within two years of signing for Chelsea. A tricky winger with four star skill moves and four star weaker foot in FIFA 22, Pulisic has the beating of most defenders. Add to that 91 acceleration and 84 sprint speed and he’s an absolute nightmare to defend against. There’s end product too. 74 crossing and finishing show he has composure in the final third. But that’s the least you’d expect from a player who cost almost £60 million.
This is by far the most talented crop of American footballers ever produced and as the game continues to gain popularity we’re only going to see the country go from strength to strength.
