USMNT
Which USMNT players are in the Europa League knockout stage?
Three United States men’s national team players will be participating in the UEFA Europa League’s round of 16 of the knockout stage.
The playoff draw took place on Monday in Switzerland to determine the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League and the knockout round play-off of the Europa League. Assuming no changes in the meantime, five United States men’s national team players will participate in the UCL and three in the Europa League this season.
Sergiño Dest - FC Barcelona
Sergiño Dest’s future with Barcelona is unclear after Xavi took the managerial job last month. He started the game in the defeat against Bayern Munich but was subbed off after the break. The LaLiga side lost 3-0 in the last match of the group stage forcing them to play in the Europa League and now they will face Napoli in the round of 32.
Chelsea and Tottenham are amongst the teams interested in the USMNT player. If he stays with the LaLiga giants he could play against the Serie A side in the knockout stage. The first leg will be played on 17 February and the second leg at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Tyler Adams - RB Leipzig
The Bundesliga side is having a tough start of the season and after four months they decided to part ways with American coach Jesse Marsch due to the poor results. Leipzig finished in third place in Group A and they booked their ticket straight to the UEFA Europa League and they will face Real Sociedad in the playoff in February.
Tyler Adams has been a key player for the Bundesliga side and he has made five appearances in Europe this campaign. Three of them have been as a starter and twice he was substituted in for a total of 293 minutes. The US midfielder has been linked to a move to Arsenal in the next transfer window.
Gio Reyna - BVB
The American teenager has suffered a lengthy muscle injury that has prevented him from playing for Borussia Dortmund since September. Gio Reyna couldn’t help his team during the Champions League group stage and now he could make his return in the knockout stage when they face Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers in February. If he gets some minutes, this will be a special match for the midfielder as his dad, Claudio Reyna, played with Rangers from 1999 to 2001.
Confirmed Europa League playoff draw
Sevilla vs. Dinamo Zagreb
Atalanta vs. Olympiacos
RB Leipzig vs. Real Sociedad
Barcelona vs. Napoli
Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Real Betis
Borussia Dortmund vs. Rangers
Sheriff vs. Braga
Porto vs. Lazio
Winners will go through to the Round of 16 where they will meet one of the group winners.