The USMNT are back in the Copa América for the first time since 2016 when they finished fourth as the hosts of the tournament. With the talent they have at their disposal, one could argue that this year, they could finish higher.

One of those talented players in their ranks is Malik Tillman of PSV. The 21-year-old midfielder has had an interesting career trajectory so far. Currently on loan at PSV from Bayern Munich, Tillman has had one of the best seasons in his senior career, with nine goals and 11 assists in the Dutch Eredivisie.

The below visualisation shows where Tillman ranks for some of the key metrics when compared with the other left-sided attacking midfielders from similar leagues to the Eredivisie this season.

Looking at the above visualisation, Malik Tillman has made progress during the season in every facet of his game. He ranks above average and closer to the highest for xG contributions per 90 minutes.

A high-volume shooter and an above-average dribbler—ranking 87th percentile and 65th percentile for both metrics, respectively—Tillman is a right-footed player who likes to cut inside with the ball at his feet.

He ranks above average for possession metrics, receiving the ball in the channels and between the lines to progress or carry it forward — ranking 60th percentile for progressive passes per 90 minutes.

Malik Tillman is as important out of possession for PSV as he is in possession. His defensive work rate and awareness are standouts, too. His numbers are even more impressive when you consider that he has featured for only almost half the minutes as most others ranking high in the league.

Malik Tillman’s decision to leave Germany and join PSV has proven pivotal in his career, leading to his current success and potentially securing his future. While it’s uncertain if he will stay for the entirety of his current contract at PSV, that discussion is best left for a later time. What’s crucial now is the Copa América and the role he could play in propelling the USMNT to the latter stages of the tournament.