As we approach mid-March, the games across the globe become more important. Races for silverware, promotion, relegation and European places are now defined and intense. On top of that, players are pushing for spots on the World Cup team, new contracts, and/or transfers this summer.

There is a lot going on and here are the top five games of the weekend from an American perspective.

Atalanta vs. Udinese (Serie A 🇮🇹)
• Yunus Musah
Saturday, March 7, 12 noon ET 📺 Paramount+

At a time when he seemed to be fading badly, Yunus Musah has had one of the biggest weeks in his career. Last Sunday, Musah scored for Atalanta against Sassuolo in a 2-1 loss. Yes, it was a late consolation goal against an opponent that was reduced to 10 men in the first half. Musah came into the game in the 67^th minute when Atalanta was trailing 1-0. The goal was meaningless, but it was of impressive quality.

Then on Wednesday, Musah had his defining moment when he came off the bench and scored a late equalizer for Atalanta in a 2-2 draw against Lazio in Rome.

Before this week, Musah had not been on many of the pundits’ projected World Cup roster but this week’s offensive outburst was a reminder of why Musah was once such a highly rated teenager.

Now, will it get him back on the roster for March?

There is a very good chance but still, the number of central midfielders all playing well is long: Tanner Tessmann, Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie (although his position varies), Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter and James Sands are all playing well. Then there are players like Jack McGlynn, who gives the team a shot from distance, and Christian Roldan who is a popular team player. By no means is Musah a lock to get in with that group.

It is still tough for Musah because the team started to play better last summer and into the fall. The players who were part of that turnaround have an advantage, and that does not include Musah.

For the last several months, there seemed to be no chance Atalanta would not exercise its purchase option on Musah, who’s on loan. Now, maybe it will — or at least try to negotiate it down. It could be problematic for Musah if he returns to AC Milan as he likely isn’t in the team’s plans.

On Saturday, Musah will have the chance to cap off an extraordinary week when seventh-place Atalanta host 10^th-place Udinese. A win could move Atalanta into the top six. A good performance from Musah can give him a fighting chance to be on the World Cup team and perhaps convince Atalanta to open the purse strings to keep him.

Musah’s big week was the result of him coming off the bench in both games. This game might see him return to the starting XI.

Toulouse vs. Marseille (Ligue 1 🇫🇷)
• Mark Mckenzie, Tim Weah
Saturday, March 7, 3:05 pm ET 📺 BeIN Sports, BeIN Sports Espanol