By Kaustubh Pandey
Over time, there has been an increase in the number of American footballers eligible to represent other countries. The game is now played differently in the United States because of several regulatory changes in the nation's sociocultural background. The likes of Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest and Giovanni Reyna are eligible to represent other countries and one such potentially upcoming footballer is Brandon Vazquez who currently plies his trade with MLS side FC Cincinnati.
Vazquez, a centre-forward qualified to play for Mexico, is currently having the best senior season of his career. Having found the back of the net 16 times and assisting four times in the MLS this season, Vazquez could yet end up helping his side make it to the top seven of the Eastern Conference of the MLS. The current campaign is a massive improvement on his tally of only four goals and three assists during the previous season. That is a fair reflection of how far the forward has come in a limited time.
Vazquez is not a complete centre-forward by any means, but he is a typical fox-in-the-box striker who is always sniffing around in the box, ready to pounce on any chance that comes his way. That is why only Sebastian Driussi has scored more non-penalty goals than Vazquez, whose tally of 16 only has non-penalty goals.
He brings a reliable aerial threat to the plate, as he ranks 81 percentile for aerial won this season and his no-nonsense approach to heading is signified by his diving header goal against Philadelphia back in June. The striker put his body in the line for the goal and is also a representation of his nose for goals. He is right on the edge of the defensive line, looking for just a chance to pounce upon.
Despite a bulky frame, Vazquez knows how to work his socks off as well - something which can’t be said for all the strikers. By making just over 18 pressures per 90 minutes, Vazquez ranks 78 percentile for that metric, showing how he is about more than just the tangibles surrounding goals. A vast majority of his pressures come in the final third, showcasing how he could very well operate under a manager who believes in pressing high up the pitch in a proactive manner.
While the 23-year-old has overperformed on Expected Goals, it is the second season running for that, suggesting that the current season may not be a one-off. His xG for the season stands at 13 and has 16 goals. Last season, he scored four goals from an xG of 4.0. So it won’t be a surprise if Vazquez keeps these performances up.
And being still 23, he has a bright future ahead of himself. Having recently signed a new contract with Cincinnati, his value will only increase. It is barely a surprise though that Leeds United was linked with him, and fellow American Jesse Marsch has a liking for him. With the Whites having signed two American stars in Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, a potential approach for Vazquez may not be too far away shortly.
Lionel Messi’s agent refutes claims of Inter Miami stake purchase and a potential move
LAFC 2 – 1 Seattle Sounders – Bale and Chiellini Win on Home Debut for the Black and Gold
Summer 2022: A summer of the overhaul for Tottenham that should send fans, and opposition frenetic
How Man City could line up Erling Haaland and Kalvin Phillips with their current squad
An active transfer window to fire Sparta Rotterdam up on the Eredivisie table
Barcelona have made a significant stride forward with the signing of Jules Kounde
Chelsea Eyeing Villareal defender Pau Torres for a £50m Move: Good choice for Tuchel?
From Haaland’s double score to Ten Hag’s debut defeat- Here’s all from the first week of Premier League
Alex Telles ‘didn’t think twice’ before leaving Man United and joining Sevilla FC
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid join race for RB Salzburg’s Benjamin Sesko
Nottingham Forest’s promotion, Arsenal’s win, Aston Villa’s defeat- all from the first week of Premier League
Sevilla fc winger Oussama Idrissi returns to dutch league for another season
Manchester City, Arsenal, and Aston Villa win big in the second week of the Premier League
From Fulham’s win to Tuchel and Conte’s public feud- all the drama from the second week of Premier League 2022
Grand Prix Badminton League 2022: Sharks & Bulls score thrilling wins, face-off with Wolves & Falcons confirmed
How is SL Benfica Academy so successful at producing and developing young talent
Why Brandon Vázquez should be in the USMNT squad for the World Cup in Qatar this winter
Sebastian Driussi, the striker who lifted Austin FC to unthinkable heights
Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City- big names that disappointed in the third week of the Premier League
Spurs, Crystal Palace, and Fulham win big in the third week of the Premier League
Real Salt Lake breaking new ground with their purchase of 18-year-old USYNT playmaker Diego Luna
LAFC midfielder José Cifuentes: Transfer target for Premier League's Brighton
Haaland scores a hat-trick; Liverpool thrash Bournemouth 9-0: All from the fourth week of Premier League
Punk-Moxley set for a rematch to claim AEW World Championship: AEW Dynamite Recap
Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa fail to impress in the fourth week of the Premier League
Anthony Gordon: Merseyside’s latest boy wonder on the verge of a breakthrough
City Win Big, Liverpool Squeak Through And Arsenal Win Again In Match Week Five Of The Premier League
Jesus Ferreira-Alan Velasco-Paul Arriola: Best attacking trio in the MLS?
DP Asia Cup 2022 Review- Pakistan vs Hong Kong: Pak wins big against Hong Kong
Manchester United, Chelsea, and Brentford win in the sixth week of the Premier League
Arsenal, Fulham, Leicester, and Southampton fail to impress in the sixth week of the Premier League
Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest US Open Champion after defeating Casper Ruud in the finale
Denis Bouanga: Will LAFC’s latest acquisition solidify the MLS Cup title for the team?
Aaron Hickey: The Golden Boy Nominee Ready To Light Up The Premier League
Brennan Johnson: The next superstar striker with the potential to play for big clubs
EPL Review: Haaland at it again, A sigh of relief for Gerrard, and Chaos at the City Ground
Comments