The five best American soccer stars in Spain: Dest, Musah and more...
- Jack Fealy
- 15 February 2021
The Bundesliga is currently seen as the breeding ground for some of the world’s most promising American soccer players, however La Liga is not far behind.
In Spain, clubs are starting to produce and develop some of the hottest American prospects, in a bid to turn them into young superstars.
Like their rivals in Germany, Spanish clubs are on a quest to snatch up young talent and turn them into first team regulars.
Planet Sport takes a look at some US stars who are hoping to make waves in Spain.
Sergino Dest
The 20-year-old right back became the first ever American to play for Barcelona in October 2020, signing from boyhood club Ajax.
Despite being born in the Netherlands, Dest qualifies for the USA through his American father. He made his international debut in 2019 while playing for Ajax.
The new United States international, brushed off interest from Bayern Munich and decided to join the Catalan side, which suited his attacking style of play.
✌🏽🇺🇸 @konradjr https://t.co/KxYxAUr2cL
— Sergiño Dest (@sergino_dest) October 8, 2020
Dest is certainly a player to watch. Replacing the transferred Nelson Semedo, the American has appeared 25 times this season, assisting once and scoring in the Champions League.
Playing at right-back, the defender has proved himself to be a catalyst when starting attacking moves. He has already settled into Barcelona's attacking tika-taka passing style.
However, while his attacking style suits Barcelona his lack of defensive ability is an early cause for concern. He ranks in the bottom 1% of players for his defensive contributions.
Recently, the American has stated that he struggled with his confidence, but is looking to return to his form that made him such a hot prospect at Ajax.
Shaquell Moore
'Shaq' Moore has proven to be an integral part of CD Tenerife's defence in La Liga 2.
Despite playing in the second tier of Spanish soccer, the 24-year-old right-back has built on an impressive 2019/20 season with Tenerife and has continued to prove his dominance throughout the 2020/21 campaign.
The Georgia born defender has spent his entire professional career in Spain, playing for the likes of Oviedo, Levante, and Reus.
Moore has proven his attacking, as well as his defensive attributes throughout the season, switching between right-back and right-wing.
The American has played all 24 league matches this season, assisting twice against CD Mirandés and CD Castellón.
As well as contributing to goals, he has been part of 10 clean sheets this season, in eight wins and two draws.
Although Tenerife may not be in contention for a return to top flight of Spanish soccer, Moore continues to improve and may have found a club that will help him develop.
Konrad de la Fuente
The Florida-born international is definitely a player to keep an eye on as he makes his way in the Barcelona squad.
The 19-year-old winger has been at Spanish giants since 2014, working his way through the academy ranks, all the way through to the first team.
His pace, dribbling, and agility displayed in academy matches highlights the young American as a star for the future. His performances at academy level even earned de la Fuente minutes in Barcelona's Champions League in the 2020/21 season, coming on against Dynamo Kyiv and Ferencváros.
The winger has scored four goals in 15 games for Barcelona B since the 2018/19 season, however, he has been a member of the Barcelona first team for the 2020/21 campaign.
De la Fuente has yet to make an appearance in La Liga, only appearing on the bench. But has played in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.
He made his debut for the United States international side in November 2020, in a 0-0 draw against Wales.
Yunus Musah
Born in New York City, Yunus Musah is already becoming a star in La Liga with Valencia.
The former Arsenal academy player joined Valencia B in 2019 on a free transfer, looking to make a significant impact on the Spanish side's academy squad.
The winger's pace and crossing skills earned the young New Yorker a place in the Valencia first team and his first international cap at just 17.
In November 2020, Musah became Valencia's youngest ever foreign player to start and score in a La Liga match.
Now 18, Musah is already an important part of the Valencia first team, playing 21 league games and scoring once in the 2020/21 season.
Kasey Keller
A nostalgic entry for the last player on our list. Kasey Keller is one of America's greatest ever goalkeepers, but many forget he spent time in the Spanish league.
Keller had an outstanding career that spanned 22 years, playing in England, Germany, as well as the MLS. Although it ended 10 years ago, the Washington-born goalkeeper had a short period in the La Liga, playing for Rayo Vallecano.
The American is mostly known for his time in England with Millwall, Leicester City, and Tottenham Hotspur. However in 1999, after three years at Leicester, Keller moved to Spain.
Keller made 56 appearances for Rayo Vallecano, keeping only nine cleans sheets. Not his greatest spell in his career.
The three time USA Soccer Athlete of the Year only had two years in Spain, finishing in the bottom half of the league in both seasons.
Although his time in Spain may not be seen as his proudest moment, Keller would then go on to play for Spurs, making 97 appearances with 20 clean sheets, and would win his second Honda Player of the Year.
Keller would end his career in his home state at the Seattle Sounders. Keller made 118 appearances and kept 38 clean sheets. In his final season, he won MLS goalkeeper of the Year, rounding off a spectacular career.
Keller made 103 appearances for the United States international team, playing in four World Cups and sealing his place as a US soccer legend. His contribution to soccer earned him an acceptance into the State of Washington Hall of Fame in 2017.
