For some of the U.S. men’s national team’s top attacking talents, 2026 hasn’t been kind so far.
Three high-profile USMNT players in particular have suffered through injury and uneven performances to kick off the biggest year of their national team careers.
But there were still some silver linings this weekend, from a forward in England continuing to shine to an unlikely player being dubbed ‘the perfect striker’ by his coach.
Let’s get to the Five.
Christian Pulisic hits the skids
The new year has not been a happy one for Christian Pulisic so far.
After he was the unquestioned star of AC Milan’s attack for the first half of the season, Pulisic is still without a goal or assist in six total games this year.
The American was a non-factor after coming on in the 69th minute of Milan’s 1-1 draw at Roma on Sunday, Jan. 25. The Rossoneri were clearly content to keep hold of a point on the road, limiting Pulisic’s attacking opportunities.
Part of Pulisic’s struggles can be blamed on the lingering effects of a hamstring injury from the fall. Milan coach Max Allegri admitted earlier this month that the 27-year-old was not fully fit. Pulisic has started just three of his side’s six games in January, including one match in which he didn’t play at all.
Pulisic is still his team’s leading scorer this season with 10 goals in all competitions. With Milan now five points back of first-place Inter, Allegri will need Pulisic fully up and running to ensure the Rossoneri stay within striking distance of their city rival.
Another setback for Gio Reyna
In what’s become a depressingly common story in recent years, Gio Reyna has suffered another injury setback.
Reyna missed Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 3-0 defeat to Stuttgart on Sunday due to ‘muscular problems,’ the club said.
There was no indication of how serious the injury is, but any spell on the sidelines is a blow for a player who still hasn’t justified Gladbach’s move to bring him over from Borussia Dortmund in the offseason.
In 14 appearances for Gladbach this season, including five starts, Reyna has yet to tally a goal or assist.
Malik Tillman in a rut
Malik Tillman has hit a midseason skid during his first campaign at Bayer Leverkusen.
Tillman has not scored or assisted a goal since Nov. 22, a drought of 11 games in all competitions.
The 23-year-old has maintained his starting role throughout most of that dry spell, but Tillman started both of Leverkusen’s games last week from the bench.
Tillman is still providing value in possession and with his work-rate, but Leverkusen paid a club-record €35 million transfer fee for goal production.
With three goals and no assists all season, Tillman is falling well short of expectations.
Big Pat finds the net again
Patrick Agyemang continues to thrive with Derby County.
The striker found the net for the second time in three games on Friday, Jan. 23, opening the scoring in a 1-1 draw with West Brom.
Ageymang’s goal was of the opportunistic variety, as he took advantage of a mistake from goalkeeper Max O’Leary to bundle home.
The USMNT striker continues to make his case for a World Cup roster spot. He’s now scored eight goals in his debut season with Derby, and has even been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks.
Weston McKennie ‘the perfect striker’
Juventus is in the market for a new forward, but head coach Luciano Spalletti seems happy with his unlikely makeshift options for now.
Weston McKennie once again played a vital role for Juve in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Napoli. The American played high up the pitch for much of the match, particularly after Jonathan David was removed with 15 minutes left.
With five goals on the season, McKennie is just one shy of his career high. The 27-year-old has scored in three consecutive Champions League matches.
After the Napoli match, Spalletti was full of praise for the versatile USMNT star.
‘McKennie is a perfect central striker,’ Spalletti said. ‘He fights, he’s strong in the air and he can jump high. He plays to get results because he makes decisions. He would be a perfect striker.’