If there was an award for the best goal of the international break so far, it would have likely gone to Barcelona starlet Sergino Dest. The American fullback scored an absolute stunner from outside the box to start USMNT’s scoring in their recent international friendly against Jamaica.
The technique and the amount of quality displayed in the strike make it quite evident that the former Ajax man has learnt a lot by being on the same pitch as a certain Lionel Messi while turning out for FC Barcelona.
Dest started the match at left-back as Reggie Cannon, a more natural right-back started in his natural position. The Barcelona fullback was fed the ball by Yunus Musah in the 34th minute, and as he cut inside on his right foot from the left flank – not many would have expected the outcome that proved to be.
Instead of lazily recycling possession as a fullback out of position would likely do, Dest let loose a cannon of a shot which gave Jamaica shot-stopper Jeadine White no chance at saving the effort all.
TAKE A BOW, SERGIÑO DEST!
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) March 25, 2021
The #USMNT defender cuts inside and fires home a ROCKET for his first international goal! 🚀🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/F5jxhkpACy
His incredible attempt at goal opened the scoring for the United States, who made the most of their advantage as they went on to win the match 4-1 – courtesy of second-half goals from Brenden Aaronson and a Sebastian Lletget brace in the last ten minutes of the game.
Dest’s strike was surprisingly his first ever for his country, a fact that not many would have guessed looking at the sheer quality of the effort. The goal served as a reminder that the young right-back shares a common football pitch with one of the greatest players of all time in Leo Messi – someone who we have got used to, seeing him cut inside on his strong foot and let lose some stunners over the years.
Dest is certain to have learnt a lot more from the Argentine superstar in his first season at the Catalan club, as he will hope to develop even further and cement the right-back spot for the club and country for years to come.
