Ronald Koeman “Dest and Konrad will increase the USMNT's level”
Sergiño Dest will join fellow compatriot Konrad de la Fuente, who has been there since 2018, in the first team of Football Club Barcelona this season.
A new generation of United States players are arriving in Barcelona this season. Konrad de la Fuente and Sergiño Dest, pending medical and contract signature, will be part of the first team this year and for the first time in the club’s history there will be two USMNT players.
Konrad de la Fuente arrived in Barcelona in 2018 and this year he was promoted to the first team wearing the new number 29. The 19-year-old striker is one of Europe’s most exciting prospects and that is why Barcelona renewed his contract until 2022.
Dest pending medical
Prior to the game against Celta de Vigo, Ronald Koeman said that he can’t talk much about Sergiño Dest because he is pending medical examination and he still needs to sign his contract. “Dest is a very good player with a lot of experience for his young age. He has played a lot of UEFA Champions League games,” Koeman said.
“It is very good for the USMNT to have two young players like Dest and Konrad here in Barcelona. Like I said they are very young and they will help improve the level of their national team,” he added.
More USMNT players in Europe
This year there has been a boom of United States players joining Europe’s biggest clubs. Christian Pulisic was given the number 10 jersey this year for Chelsea and Frank Lampard has talked talked him up greatly. Weston McKennie joined Juventus this season and he is becoming a regular starter for Andrea Pirlo.
Gio Reyna is consolidating his place at Borussia Dortmund and he already has two goals for the club. Another important player for the USMNT is Zack Steffen who was promoted to second goalkeeper behind Ederson in Manchester City.