Malik Tillman made a statement off the bench for PSV as the U.S. men's national team star came on to score in a win over RKC Waalwijk.
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Tillman scores for PSVPepi sees goal ruled outDest starts once again
Both Tillman and Ricardo Pepi came off the bench for the Dutch giants, with their USMNT teammate, Sergino Dest, retaining his starting spot, albeit at the right-back position after playing on the left in recent weeks.
Tillman scored PSV's fourth goal in the 4-0 win, netting his first for his new club, while Pepi was inches away from his own, which would have counted if he was not just offside.
With the win, PSV have made it three wins from three, putting them atop the Eredivisie heading into the international break.
GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
PSV took the lead late in the first half, having been knocking on the door throughout the first 45.
It was Joey Veerman that got the goal in the 44th minute, as he provided a fantastic finish following a layoff from striker Luuk de Jong. With the goal, Veerman already has three goals and four assists this season.
PSV made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute by pouncing on a disastrous goal kick sequence following a mazy Dest run.
After Dest's shot went out of play, RKC attempted to play out of the back from the ensuing goalkick. A calamitous mistake from defender Jeffrey Bruma left PSV with an easy chance, which was put away by Noa Lang after De Jong unselfishly played him in.
De Jong, ultimately, got his goal, scoring PSV's third to seal the result before Tillman came off the bench to make it four with a late goal of his own.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Dest started once again for PSV, having also started in the two Champions League playoff matches against Rangers. And, once again, he put in a performance you'd expect as he joined the attack plenty of times throughout the match.
The American had one decent cross in the first half, although it was played a bit too close to goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen. His best moment came in the second half as he went on a long, mazy run through the defense before firing over the bar. While he did miss his chance to put a shot on target, the sequence did lead to a goal, as Waalwijk made a mess of the goal kick to lead to PSV's second.
With the game out of hand, Pepi and Tillman got their chance to feature, with the latter only making a cameo during the Champions League tie against Rangers as the former didn't feature. The two came into the match in the 73rd minute.
Pepi, unfortunately, saw a goal ruled out, as he was just a bit offside on a cross from Noa Lang in the 84th minute. Tillman, fortunately, scored just moments later, netting his first PSV goal to make it 4-0.
GettyUSMNT IMPACT
USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter will be glad to see all three of the PSV trio get some minutes ahead of the international break.
Dest may start at right back for the USMNT in the upcoming matches, although he could face competition from Joe Scally at the start of this cycle. Consistent minutes are key for Dest, who hasn't had that luxury in recent years, so a hot start at PSV will be good news for the U.S.
Pepi, meanwhile, is seemingly No. 2 on the striker depth chart, with Folarin Balogun expected to lead the line.
As for Tillman, he could very well feature in the No. 10 role with Gio Reyna out of camp, with the USMNT thriving in that 4-2-3-1 system during the Nations League after playing a 4-3-3 almost exclusively last cycle.
GettyGOAL'S RATING
Sergino Dest (7/10):
A standard performance from Dest, who looks so at home back in the Eredivisie. Didn't get a goal contribution in his 85 minutes, but had a few good moments in a game his side dominated.
Malik Tillman (8/10):
You can't do much better than that, can you? Came off the bench late and scored a lovely goal, making a big impression as he looks to battle his way into the PSV XI.
Ricardo Pepi (6/10):
Nearly had his goal, but was a bit too eager. You can't blame him given his lack of minutes recently, but, even if it didn't count, it was good to see him involved and creating danger.