Bundesliga
Josh Sargent: "The Bundesliga is a massive step up"
USMNT striker Josh Sargent believes he is making the most of his first-team opportunities at Werder Bremen, but admits playing in the Bundesliga is "a challenge".
Sargent, 19, made his fifth appearance and third start of the season, as Werder came away from Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park with a point on Saturday.
The American assisted Marco Friedl's equaliser in the 2-2 draw, adding to the stunning solo goal he scored against Augsburg on Matchday 3.
"It was a set-piece - I acted like I was going to go to the back post, but then went to the front post," he recalled. "I got the flick on for Marco [Friedl], it was a good goal and a good point for us, especially with all the injuries. It shows we've still got a good bunch of players."
Sargent has now played in 15 Bundesliga matches, registering three goals and one assist, since making the leap from the reserve team and debuting for the seniors in December 2018.
He previously played for the St. Louis Scott Gallagher developmental team in his native Missouri, as well as the US U17s, U20s and U23s, and says adapting to the demands of the Bundesliga is a work in progress.
"It's a big step up," Sargent told bundesliga.com. "Every game I'm just trying to improve, to get used to the style of play and the pace of play. You have to think a lot faster. I'm still very young. Hopefully I can keep improving."
Watch: Relive Josh Sargent's Bergkamp-esque goal against Augsburg!
With a run of five successive Bundesliga outings and two straight starts totaling over 162 minutes of a possible 180 under his belt, Sargent is optimistic he can retain his place in Gregg Berhalter's USMNT squad for upcoming CONCACAF Nations League games against Cuba and Canada.
Sargent was a surprise omission from the US squad that went on to reach the final of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup over the summer, but was recalled for his country's friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay during the September international break.
"Hopefully I get invited, but if I do get the chance to go it'll be very cool," said the nine-time US international. "The Nations League is new for us, and it'll be a big game for us in Canada, against Canada, and a new challenge."