How PSV Eindhoven's 4 USMNT players contributed to their Eredivisie title | OneFootball

In a stunning turn of events in the Dutch Eredivisie, PSV Eindhoven overcame a nine-point deficit in the final five matches of the season to overtake Ajax and win its second straight league title in unlikely fashion.

Of course, PSV’s title wouldn’t have been possible without the late-season collapse by Ajax, which dropped 10 points in its final five matches. But it also would not have been possible without four Americans who were key contributors to Eindhoven’s success this season.

With four members of the USMNT lifting the Eredivisie trophy, it’s worth taking a closer look at how each contributed to PSV’s triumph this season.

Malik Tillman

Tillman was easily the most impactful USMNT member during PSV's championship season. He was a regular starter in Eindhoven's midfield and a steady contributor, tallying 12 goals and two assists.

The 22-year-old also seemed to get better as the season went along. In PSV's penultimate match of the season, he was the player of the match in a 4-1 win over Heracles, with two goals and an assist. Tillman then scored the final goal of PSV's season, sealing a 3-1 win over Sparta Rotterdam, and with it, sealing the Eredivisie title.

In such a tight title race, Tillman was a key difference-maker for PSV. His season has also led to rumors that Premier League clubs could be after Tillman this summer, according to The Mirror.

Sergiño Dest

Dest didn't necessarily put his stamp on the season, but the fact that he was part of the campaign at all was great news for club and country.

The USMNT right back tore his ACL in April 2024, keeping him sidelined for nearly a full year. Dest was able to slowly work his way back, ultimately regaining his spot as PSV's starting right back late in the campaign.

He notched an assist in Eindhoven's penultimate match and played 90 minutes on the last day of the season. For Dest, it was a fitting ending after his injury kept him from being on the field when PSV celebrated last year's Eredivisie title.

Richard Ledezma

With Dest sidelined for most of the season, it was fellow American Ledezma picking up the slack at his position. The 24-year-old had spent the last few years mostly playing with PSV's reserve team, in addition to a loan with New York City FC in 2023.

However, he spent most of the season as Eindhoven's starting right back, deputizing for Dest. Late in the season, Ledezma lost his starting spot to Dest, sharing time at that position with his fellow American international.

But Ledezma gave PSV many solid performances, collecting a goal and an assist, becoming an underrated part of Eindhoven's championship campaign.

Ricardo Pepi

Unfortunately, Pepi's season ended in February when he required surgery for a torn meniscus. But prior to that, he was arguably Eindhoven's most effective attacking player.

Before the injury, Pepi played in just 18 league matches, but scored 11 goals and added two assists in that brief period. The American striker also scored the game-winner in a Champions League victory over Liverpool, which was arguably the biggest highlight of his season.

Despite only playing 18 matches, Pepi tied for the third-most goals on PSV in Eredivisie matches. Had he played the full season, Pepi likely would have been the club leader in goals, perhaps even the Eredivisie leader.