Josh Sargent & Haji Wright are way better than you think

How these versatile forwards may be USA's secret weapon at Copa America

The EFL Championship is the 2nd division in England just below the Premier League. It is a volatile place that spits out anyone who isn’t ready for the physicality of the league or the grueling schedule across a dreary and generally unhappy country (I can say that - I lived there).

The ones who do excel in the Championship are almost always picked up into the first division if their teams aren’t promoted. There are two forwards headed to Copa America with the USMNT that statistically (and in real terms) demolished the competition in the 23/24 Championship season.

This is a look into Haji Wright and Josh Sargent’s club form, and how it may be the secret weapon the USA needs to go deep in Copa America. Let’s start with Haji.

Haji Wright is coming off an impressive season, scoring 16 goals and adding 7 assists for Coventry City in England's second tier. He was a key player in getting Coventry to the FA Cup semi-final and scored an ice cold 95th minute penalty in that semi-final against Manchester United to send the game to extra time.

This form along with other aspects which we will discuss shortly earned him a spot in the USMNT squad for the Copa America. Wright’s ability to perform at a high level in a competitive league while being less seen than other USMNT stars makes him an intriguing player to watch this summer. I would argue very few people realize how good Haji Wright actually is.

But he’s also an exciting player for the USMNT due to his versatility and potential impact in various attacking roles, including both left wing and striker positions.

What to expect from him this summer?

Wright is a dynamic forward who brings a mix of speed, strength, and technical ability. He’s known for his quick feet and ability to play with both his left and right, which allows him to be unpredictable and versatile in the attacking third. He often drops back to get involved in buildup play and can seamlessly transition from playing on the wing to operating as a central striker.

Inside the box, Wright is deadly. His close control and knack for finding space to shoot make him a constant threat. Defenders struggle to mark him due to his two-footed ability and unpredictable movements. This unpredictability likely as a super-sub is what makes him an exciting and dangerous option for the USMNT.

+Excellent technical skill

+Comfortable with both feet

+Versatility in attacking roles

Can you make a contemporary comparison to a player people might be familiar with?

Wright has often been compared to forwards who combine physicality with technical prowess. His playing style and physical attributes have drawn comparisons to players like Romelu Lukaku, due to his ability to hold up play and score from various positions on the field.

It’s not just because of their similar stature, but also because I see first touch as one of Wright’s main weaknesses. Being able to make space to shoot, win physical duels, and his wicked shot speed all remind me of the deadly Belgian.

Wright isn’t necessarily a veteran on this squad not having been a part of the core makeup pre-2022, but at 26 years old Wright is entering the prime of his career and could land an important transfer to the Premier League if his club form continues into Copa America.

Wright is excellent playing with his back to goal and holding off defenders as he receives passes. This one skill is something the United States doesn’t necessarily have across the attacking line with other players.

He’s only 26 - so what’s his career been like so far?

Wright has had an interesting career path, including stints in Germany (Schalke) and Turkey (Antalyaspor) before finding his form in England with Coventry City. His 16 goals were a career high and highlight his growth and development as a forward. This consistency and experience in different leagues make him a huge asset for the USMNT.

Wright’s 2024 has been a rollercoaster of highs, specifically with stellar showings in the FA Cup marking a significant peak. Fresh off netting the decisive goal for Coventry City in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Premier League opponents Wolves, Wright added two more goals to his USMNT tally during the Nations League semi-finals against Jamaica, his first goal for the US since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Initially left out of Berhalter’s 23-man roster for Nations League, Wright found himself called up after an injury to Josh Sargent. Instead of a planned family vacation in Dubai with his girlfriend, Wright redirected his focus to the national team, a decision that has clearly paid off.

USMNT’s secret weapon?

From a fan’s perspective, it seems Wright is the least discussed, most impactful player we have on this roster. His versatility, form, and unpredictability make him a secret weapon for the USMNT at this summer’s Copa America. His ability to come off the bench and change the game with his dynamic play could be crucial for the team’s success.

Josh Sargent has been one of the most promising American forwards since he was 17. Known for his versatility, intelligence, and work rate, Sargent has developed into a well-rounded player capable of contributing at an international level. Despite injuries pausing his productivity over the last few seasons, many in the USA fanbase still hold Sargent as our most effective striker.

Having played in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen and currently plying his trade with Norwich City in the English Championship, Sargent has gained valuable experience in different playing environments.

Josh Sargent’s strengths

The reality is that on a per 90 basis, Josh Sargent ranked in the top quartile for pretty much every important category an attacker should hit. Non-penalty expected goals, goals, goal creating actions and so on. Where he really shines is in the moments where he is the connector of the team’s attack. Josh Sargent is the highest ranking player in the EFL Championship when you combine pass completion %, shot creating actions, and goal creating actions per 90. The only issue this season was being healthy enough to play those 90 minutes. Sargent started in only 24 of Norwich’s 46 league games.

Versatility

One of Sargent’s standout qualities is his versatility. While he primarily plays as a striker, he is also comfortable operating as a winger or attacking midfielder. This adaptability allows managers to deploy him in various tactical setups, making him a valuable asset. His ability to play across the front line enables him to exploit different spaces and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.

Work Rate and Defensive Contribution

Sargent is renowned for his exceptional work rate. He consistently presses opponents, harrying defenders and forcing mistakes. His defensive contributions are notable, as he often tracks back to help his team regain possession. This relentless pressing not only disrupts the opposition’s build-up play but also creates counter-attacking opportunities for his team.

Movement and Positioning

Sargent’s off-the-ball movement is another key strength. He has a knack for finding pockets of space in the final third, making intelligent runs that stretch defenses and open up channels for through balls. His positioning in the box is also commendable, as he often positions himself well to receive crosses or capitalize on loose balls. This movement makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses.

+work rate

+teamwork

+intelligent movement

Link-Up Play

Sargent’s link-up play is another aspect of his game that stands out. He possesses good vision and passing ability, allowing him to combine effectively with his teammates. Whether holding up the ball to bring others into play or delivering precise passes in the attacking third, Sargent’s ability to connect with his teammates is crucial for building and sustaining attacks.

Technical Skills

Sargent has a well-rounded technical skill set. His first touch is generally reliable, and he is comfortable with the ball at his feet. He can dribble effectively in tight spaces and has the ability to take on defenders. His technical proficiency ensures that he can adapt to different styles of play, whether it involves quick, short passes or more direct, physical confrontations.

Work Ethic and Professionalism

Off the field, Sargent is known for his strong work ethic and professionalism. He is dedicated to improving his game and is often praised for his attitude in training. This commitment to continuous improvement is a positive indicator of his potential for further development and success at higher levels of competition.

Weaknesses

Consistency in Finishing

While Sargent has shown flashes of clinical finishing, his goal-scoring record suggests that consistency in front of goal is an area for improvement. He sometimes struggles with composure in high-pressure situations, leading to missed opportunities. Developing a more ruthless streak in front of goal will be crucial for him to reach his full potential as a top-tier striker.

Physicality and Strength

Although Sargent is decent in the air, his physicality on the ground can sometimes be a limitation. In more physical leagues like the Bundesliga and the English Championship, he has occasionally been outmuscled by stronger defenders. Building up his physical strength and learning to use his body more effectively in duels could enhance his ability to hold up the ball and withstand challenges.

Decision Making

Sargent’s decision-making in the final third can be inconsistent. At times, he holds onto the ball too long or chooses the wrong option, leading to lost possession or wasted opportunities. Improving his decision-making process, particularly in fast-paced attacking scenarios, will help him become a more effective forward.

Who does Josh Sargent remind me of?

Josh Sargent’s best comp is Roberto Firmino, a well-known player whose style and role within a team offer several points of similarity. Firmino, primarily a center-forward, often drops into deeper or wider positions to link play, much like Sargent, who can be deployed across the front line. This versatility allows them to adapt to various tactical setups and contribute significantly to their teams' dynamics.

One of the most notable similarities between the two players is their work rate and defensive contributions. Firmino is renowned for his relentless pressing and ability to disrupt the opposition’s build-up play, which is also a hallmark of Sargent’s game. Both players work hard to win back possession, making them invaluable in high-press systems that require forwards to be the first line of defense.

Firmino is adept at finding pockets of space and creating room for others, while Sargent makes smart runs that stretch defenses and open up channels.

I’m not saying Sargent will be as good as Bobby but the toolkit is there.

Copa America Expectations

This is tough… on one hand Sargent showed enough during the 2022 World Cup and subsequent club campaigns why he should be the number one, but on the other hand he is coming back from an injury with two other excellent strikers in contention for the starting spot in Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi.

For what it’s worth, a healthy Josh Sargent is my number 1 on the depth chart, but at this very moment I don’t know if he’s ready to spearhead this attack again. However, he is being brought to the tournament for a reason. He wouldn’t be here if he isn’t ready to contribute, and for that reason alone I think he will surprise just as many people as Haji Wright that have either forgotten about him or haven’t been paying attention outside of our global stars.

There is a huge amount of exciting content in the pipeline, ranging from the usual long-form original stories and in-depth player profiles, player interviews, Copa 2024, Olympics 2024, EURO 2024 coverage, and much more.

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