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Michael Bradley’s 19-goal campaign, Claudio Reyna’s double with Rangers – so where does Weston McKennie’s 2025-26 season with Juventus fit among the finest performances ever by a USMNT midfielder?

McKennie is currently delivering a standout season for Juventus, but how does his performance measure up against the likes of Bradley, Reyna, and other top U.S. midfielders who have made their mark in European football?

Comparing midfielders is never straightforward. There are many different roles, styles, and tactical responsibilities that make a direct comparison tricky. Unlike strikers or goalkeepers, there’s no single statistic such as goals, saves, or clean sheets that captures their full contribution. Evaluating them requires a nuanced understanding and a strong reliance on observation.

It’s fair to say that Weston McKennie has reached a level that draws comparisons with some of America’s best-ever players. The Juventus midfielder has been performing consistently at an elite level this season in Turin. His 2025-26 campaign is shaping up to be one of the finest ever seen from a U.S. men’s national team player in Europe. Regardless of the position or competition, McKennie has been a dependable and dynamic presence.

But how does this season compare to the all-time greats? As noted earlier, it’s not easy to judge. Over the years, the U.S. has produced several central midfield stars in Europe, each excelling in different roles. Some were primarily defensive enforcers, others were playmakers controlling the tempo, and a select few—like McKennie this year—could do it all.

With that perspective, here’s a look at the best seasons ever produced by American central midfielders in European football.

Honourable Mentions

Looking back, there are several “what if” stories and close calls that could have made this list in another timeline.

Take Claudio Reyna’s spell at Manchester City, for instance. It was promising but repeatedly disrupted by injuries. When fit, Reyna proved his immense quality at the highest level, yet persistent injuries kept him from sustaining that form for long stretches in England.

Another major “what if” is Stu Holden. During the 2010-11 season, Holden was on the verge of becoming one of the Premier League’s top midfielders. He had Bolton pushing into the top half of the table and competing in the FA Cup semifinals. However, a devastating tackle from Johnny Evans broke his leg, drastically altering his career path. Despite the setback, Holden was still named Bolton’s Player of the Year that season, showing just how exceptional he had been before the injury.

Other notable mentions include Jermaine Jones for his time at Schalke, Tyler Adams’ impressive 2022-23 season with Leeds United, and McKennie’s own breakout 2020-21 campaign at Juventus. Yet, five particular seasons truly stand out.

5. Tyler Adams – 2019-20 RB Leipzig

Although this might not have been Adams’ most consistent season for RB Leipzig, it featured one unforgettable moment that cemented its place in U.S. football history.

After the pandemic pause, the Champions League resumed in August 2020. Facing Atletico Madrid, Leipzig took the lead early in the second half before the Spanish side equalised 20 minutes later. In the 88th minute, Adams scored the decisive goal that sent Leipzig into the Champions League semifinals.

It was one of the most significant goals ever scored by an American player in Europe. Despite missing much of the season due to injuries, Adams made 17 appearances and scored that crucial goal – the biggest of his career so far.

4. Michael Bradley – 2007-08 Heerenveen

This was the season Bradley broke the single-season goal record for an American playing abroad. Considering how his career evolved into a deeper midfield role later, it’s remarkable to recall how attack-minded he was at the time. In 2007-08, Bradley was given the freedom to push forward, and he made the most of it.

He scored 19 goals across all competitions, including 15 in the Eredivisie, leading Heerenveen to a fifth-place finish. It was a breakout year that transformed him from a promising youngster into a European star. The performance earned him a move to Borussia Monchengladbach and established him as a key figure for the USMNT.

While some might argue it wasn’t his most complete season, it remains one of the most productive ever by an American midfielder in Europe.

3. Michael Bradley – 2011-12 Chievo Verona

In 2011-12, Bradley took on a new challenge in Serie A with Chievo Verona and quickly became indispensable. His leadership and energy earned him the nickname “The General.”

As Chievo’s midfield general, Bradley showcased his all-round abilities in one of the world’s most tactical leagues. Serie A’s emphasis on strategy and discipline suited his intelligence and work rate perfectly. He evolved into a complete box-to-box midfielder, performing at a consistently high level and mastering the demands of Italian football.

His performances that season earned him a move to Roma, but his most influential Serie A campaign remains the one with Chievo Verona.

2. Claudio Reyna – 1999-2000 Rangers

Claudio Reyna is still widely considered the benchmark for American midfielders, and his 1999-2000 season with Rangers explains why.

Before becoming the first American to be selected in a World Cup Team of the Tournament, Reyna led Rangers to a domestic double in Scotland. He also scored a vital goal against Parma in European competition to help Rangers secure a Champions League group-stage spot.

Reyna enjoyed success across several European leagues, but his spell at Rangers stands out as a defining achievement. It made him the first American to win a major league title in Europe, setting a new standard for those who followed.

1. Weston McKennie – 2025-26 Juventus

Although the season isn’t over yet, McKennie has already done enough to secure his place among the greatest U.S. midfield performances in European football.

Across both Serie A and the Champions League, McKennie has been a driving force for Juventus. He’s silenced speculation about his future by earning a contract extension through sheer consistency and impact. The club couldn’t ignore his contribution and duly rewarded him.

With five goals and seven assists in Serie A, plus four goals and one assist in the Champions League, McKennie has been a standout performer across multiple roles. If he continues this form and guides Juventus into next season’s Champions League, his campaign could go down as one of the greatest ever by a USMNT midfielder in Europe.