With the Gold Cup coming to an end, we can now look back at Patrick Agyemang‘s performance not just for the USMNT but for Charlotte FC.
Agyemang is rumored to be on his way to England, leaving many fans divided about his current skill set as well as his actual ability. Agyemang has been a hard player to judge so far in his career.
From a D3 unknown to representing his country in just a few years shows the potential that he possesses.
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A Controversial Gold Cup Performance
Agyemang added two goals in his Gold Cup run, one was a deflection that he wasn’t aware of, while the other was an impressive breakaway goal.
The breakaway goal and decent hold-up play were enough for some fans, and especially former USMNT, to crown Agyemang as a shoo-in for the World Cup team next year. Fan accounts on various media outlets expressed how unpleased they were with his performance.
Agyemang is good in his holding play, like mentioned before, he takes up space with his big frame and his physicality when competing for the ball. He also works well finding open spaces left by the defense when on a run.
The problem with Agyemang is that he lacks the skill needed once the ball is at his feet. He lacks a smooth first touch causing the ball to move in ways he’s not intending. He has a difficult time finding runners around him and setting them up with a decent pass.
When he has a chance with the ball, he is slow to make his approach for a strike, causing defenders to get in his way before he can finish his chance. It was on full display against Mexico in the Gold Cup final.
Agyemang had clean chances throughout the game; unfortunately, he never seemed to make the most of these chances, not just against Mexico but throughout the tournament.
European Interest
The American striker has caught the eye of multiple European teams especially in England. Despite the lack of experience playing in a top league his unique physic and young age has opened doors for him otherwise closed.
Derby County has thrown its hat into the ring thanks to a transfer fee of eight million dollars. Derby County is not a big-money club that throws around millions of dollars to get big-time international players.
Their throwing eight million dollars at the American striker shows that they believe that he is a English Championship-level player, but that they can develop the parts of his game that he has been lacking.
If they can unlock his ability that we haven’t seen out of him in the MLS, he could become a top striker in the MLS talent pool.
Agyemang’s skill is not ready for the English Championship, but his body and strength are. It could only be a matter a time before Agyemang can pair his strength with potential skill if Derby County knows how to unlock it.
Agyemang needs to start day one if his potential new club wants to see him develop. With very little time on a professional club, the American needs more time on a first team, getting consistent minutes.
If he is an everyday player for Derby County, we could see him progress to heights previously not expected. Agyemang has a lot of eyes on him, as many of those eyes are rooting against him.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / Eyepix Group
Recording Date 14.06.2025