Americans Abroad Player of the Week: Gianluca Busio

Venezia is aiming to stay in Serie A for another season and Gianluca Busio has certainly pulled his weight in recent weeks. 

Busio scored his second goal of the season in Venezia’s 2-2 road draw with Empoli on Sunday. The U.S. men’s national team midfielder logged 90 minutes, earning SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors. 

With both teams tied 1-1, Busio called his own number in the 85th minute, propelled Venezia into a 2-1 lead. 

Empoli would strike back two minutes later to earn a share of the spoils, keeping both clubs in the relegation zone for another week.

Busio, 22, has continued to play a productive role this season, making 29 league appearances. 

Venezia has five matches remaining this season and certainly will need Busio to stay at a high level if the club wants to stay in the top flight. 

Here is a closer look at the top Americans Abroad performers from the past week:

Alex Zendejas

Alex Zendejas’ productive spring season with Club America continued last Saturday. 

Zendejas registered two assists in Club America’s 5-0 Liga MX victory over Mazatlan. The USMNT winger now has five goals and seven assists in the Clausura season, remaining a consistent threat in the final third. 

Whether or not Zendejas is part of Mauricio Pochettino’s summer plans remains to be seen, but he certainly has boosted his chances over the last few months. 

Gavin Beavers

Brondby handed a European debut to a promising American goalkeeper.

Gavin Beaver registered a two-save clean sheet in Brondby’s 0-0 draw with Nordsjaelland last Friday. The Real Salt Lake homegrown was tossed right into the mix in Denmark and did not disappoint.

Beavers did not feature in Monday’s league win, but looks to be an option long-term. 

Johnny Cardoso

The goals continue to come for midfielder Johnny Cardoso.

Cardoso scored Real Betis’ opening goal on Monday in a 3-1 win over Girona. The American midfielder has recorded all three of his league goals since March 1, while also featuring in UEFA Europa Conference League action. 

A chance at silverware remains on the cards for Cardoso, who is also on the radar of several Premier League clubs. 

Tanner Tessmann

Lyon did not pick up three points against rivals Saint-Etienne on Sunday, but Tanner Tessmann did leave the match with his first Ligue 1 goal. 

Tessmann played the final 90 minutes in Lyon’s 2-1 road loss, scoring his first goal for the club. The USMNT midfielder has made 31 appearances in all competitions, featuring in multiple competitions since his move from Venezia.

While many players would have struggled with a move to a different country, Tessmann has relished the opportunity.

What did you think of this week’s selections? Were there any players that you thought we left out?

Share your thoughts below.