If you're a USMNT and a Middlesbrough supporter, let's just say you've been in for a real treat thus far.
By signing Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten, the Championship side brought the total number of USMNT players at the club to three. Berhalter has since gone on to start each of his first four contests, while Arfsten has done so in three of his first four appearances.
While the club split their opening two games of the new Championship campaign, their cup season has gotten off to a stellar start. The first round of the EFL Cup saw Middlesbrough defeat Wrexham 1-0, while the second round saw the club travel to Doncaster Rovers and earn a 3-1 victory. Their third-round contest will see them travel to play Crystal Palace, who lost their opening contest of the new Premier League season and could very well suffer a second loss in as many matchdays when they take on Manchester City on Friday.
Now, both the early-season positivity and USMNT presence at the club is growing once more
On Wednesday, it was announced that Middlesbrough is set to acquire American under-15/under-21 midfielder Rokas Pukstas from Croatian side Hajduk Split.
Like Arfsten and Berhalter, Pukstas is an MLS youth alumni, having played for Sporting Kansas City's youth side before making the move to Croatia.
Pukstas has one goal through six European qualifying games so far this season as Hadjuk Split advanced to the playoff round of the Europa Conference League qualifying tournament; the club began their European journey in the Europa League qualifying rounds. His goal came in the first leg of the club's third round tie of Conference League qualifying, which resulted in a 5-2 win over Lithuanian side Zalgiris Vilnius.
Once Pukstas arrives at the club, Middlesbrough will have essentially constructed an all-American midfield, something that could very well benefit the club throughout the campaign. This is especially true when considering Berhalter's involvement at the World Cup and Morris' desire to make his way back into the national team after missing out on World Cup action. Now, USMNT fans can add on Pukstas' involvement with U.S. Soccer's youth outfit and his own push to make a positive first impression on manager Mauricio Pochettino.
With all three midfielders now together at Middlesbrough, USMNT fans can easily count on a confident, familiar, and experienced midfield pairing that could be a key fixture in the national team's short-term future.
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