Josh Sargent has set himself the ambitious goal of being Werder’s top scorer come the end of the season. “As a striker, it would be dumb not to want to be the top scorer for your team. I want to be that guy. The season isn’t over yet and I will keep working hard towards that goal,” says the USMNT striker.
Sargent scored Werder’s second goal in the 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt last week. That goal took him to the top of the club’s scoring charts. It was Sargent’s third Bundesliga goal of the season and he has notched a total of five across all competitive fixtures. “Obviously I want to score more often,” he said at Thursday’s press conference. Despite the self-criticism, though, Sargent is by far the youngest member of Werder’s frontline, a fact that the 21-year-old is aware of: “I’m still very young and I have time to keep learning, working hard and improving my game.”
It’s been two years and three months since Sargent made his Bundesliga debut. In that same game, a 3-1 win against Fortuna Düsseldorf at home, the American scored his first goal. He has since played almost 70 matches in the famous Werder colours. “I wouldn’t say that I’m the most experienced of our young players, though,” says the USA international. “We are all learning at our own pace, but I can definitely help with certain things. We’re all trying to find our way in the Bundesliga and we support and push one another.”
The winner against Eintracht Frankfurt was important for Sargent, especially given the fierce competition for places in Werder’s attack. Niclas Füllkrug, Davie Selke and Yuya Osako are all ready and raring to go, with Milot Rashica and Leonardo Bittencourt also in the mix for spots in the frontline. “We all want to play,” says Sargent. “But we all get along well, too. We push one another on. I don’t see anything wrong with a bit of competition.”
