USMNT’s next midfield star? Tanner Tessmann is proving he belongs on the biggest stage

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 26 Sept 2025 13:54 BST
• 5 min read

Analysis

Tanner Tessmann’s rise shows no sign of slowing down, with the USMNT star bagging the winning goal for Lyon against Utrecht in the Europa League on Thursday.

Tessman’s curling strike from range was the difference maker as OL made a winning European start, and it was his second goal in as many matches.

Having come off the bench, he was an unlikely matchwinner, yet his contribution helped to underscore his ongoing improvement that looks ever more likely to lead him to the top of the game.

Current ETV

Tanner Tessmann

DM, M (C)

Lyon

Tanner Tessmann

DM, M (C)

Lyon

€8M

ETV Range

€6.8M - €9.2M

View full profile

Tessmann arrived at Lyon from Venezia in a deal worth €6 million. Initially, he was an understudy to the great Nemanja Matic. Still, he subsequently pushed the former Chelsea and Manchester United star out of the starting XI and is carving a niche for himself as a vital part of Paulo Fonseca’s plans.

Yet his career could have been very different. Tessmann went to Clemson University to play both soccer and American football but an injury crisis at Dallas FC saw him ultimately miss college and instead play in MLS.

This break has led to him playing top-flight football in Italy and France, forging a growing reputation in the process.

“The staff showed me a lot of confidence during preseason,” he said after netting against Utrecht. “I think I’m more of a key player in the locker room and I try to play that role for my team.”

While previous Lyon boss Pierre Sage was impressed by Tessmann’s long-range shooting – little surprise given his background as a gridiron kicker – Fonseca has been won over by the equilibrium he has brought to his side.

“Tanner has characteristics that are very important for our game,” the Portuguese told the media. “He’s started playing more and this season he’s justified that. He’s not just important to us because he scored. He’s doing really important things. He’s improved defensively and is more balanced.”

What next for Tessmann?

Establishing himself further at Lyon should be the goal for Tessmann over the course of the next season. The French side’s financial issues have been made well known, though, and it may be that if he continues on this track he becomes a player who could be sold on.

What type of club would suit him?

An eye-catching possibility suggested by data analytics firm SciSports is Juventus, where he could hook up with his USMNT team-mate Weston McKennie.

The Italian giants would offer Tessmann an unrivalled opportunity to develop his game at one of the most historic clubs in the world game. While playing time might be limited initially, Igor Tudor’s style and formation correspond nicely to the American’s attributes and should offer him the platform to move to the next level.

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