Blink, and you’ll miss him. Google “US Men’s Soccer,” and you’ll see him. He is the most recognizable American soccer player in the world. He’s incredible when he plays for the US, with 45 goal contributions in 66 appearances. He is Christian Pulisic.
Despite his torrid form whenever he wears the red, white, and blue, Pulisic hasn’t ever had a consistently great season at club level. There are factors for this, injuries, managers, and most importantly the wrong club.
Pulisic broke through at German side Borussia Dortmund. In his four seasons playing in the Bundesliga, he never reached double-digit goals or assists. This isn’t uncommon for a young wide attacker to struggle with output. Then Pulisic moved to Chelsea.
In his first season, Pulisic was a problem, especially during lockdown. No fans in the stands, a worldwide pandemic, and far from home, Pulisic was outstanding. He finished with nine goals, four coming during lockdown, one against Man City, and one against eventual champions Liverpool. Pulisic also scored in a 2-1 loss against Arsenal in the FA Cup final.
The next season Pulisic scored against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He hit the post in a Champions League final win! Pulisic also missed 16 games through injuries and contracting Covid. This was a bad trend.
From the 2018-2019 season through the 2022-2023 season, Pulisic missed at least 13 games each season through injury. Pulisic never got a consistent run of games due to his manager not favoring him or his injuries. The Prem is a physical league that demands a lot from the body. After four seasons with Chelsea, Pulisic left for Italy.
Pulisic in Milan
Pulisic moved to AC Milan for 20 million euros. Many believed it could become a bargain at that price. AC Milan also brought in a wide attacker last summer, Samuel Chukweze from Villarreal. There was no guarantee that Pulisic would start. But he did, and he started on fire.
Scoring four goals in your first eight games is a great way to introduce yourself to your new fans. Italian commentators were going crazy for him. Pulisc was healthy and getting a consistent run of games. Something US soccer fans have been yearning for.
At the time of writing Pulisic has 10 goals and 7 assists in the league. He has 13 goals and 9 assists in all competitions. At 25, Pulisic has finally established himself at a club as a regular starter, an important player, and most crucially a healthy one.
Why Pulisic is Succeeding
Pasta. Jokes aside, Pulisic has finally found himself well-liked by his manager. Not that other managers hated him, but it seems Stefano Pioli has trusted him more than others. Managers prior often favored other players over Pulisic at his position. There was the infamous dust-up with Thomas Thuchel at Chelsea. Also, Frank Lampard at Chelsea always seemed to prefer Mason Mount over Christian.
Pulisic has played nine top-flight seasons as a pro, he’s played under six managers. This isn’t exactly a model of consistency and won’t help a player establish a rhythm under a coach. Unfortunately, AC Milan is currently considering making a change of manager.
A big reason for both Pulisic’s success and his move to AC Milan is Rafael Leao. Leao is a super-duper star. Leao plays on the left wing and is an incredible dribbler and goalscorer who wrecks defenses. He spent the entire 2022-2023 season with all the attention on him. A reason for his success is thriving because he’s not the main focus of defenses.
Think of Leao as the number one receiver on an NFL team, while Pulisic is the number two.
Having a former teammate when entering a new club can be beneficial to a new player trying to adapt to a new situation. Olivier Giroud, come on down. The tall French striker has been able to find himself on the end of a few Pulisic crosses. They have combined in build-up play well and various one, two combination passes.
The best ability is availability. This mantra is beaten to a pulp by commentators and writers. But it’s for good reason. Six games, yes only six games! That’s how much Pulisic has missed this season through injury. For context, Christian missed 13 games the season before he made the switch. Maybe it is the pasta.
How Does Pulisic Sustain Success
A lot of this (unfortunately) will be out of his control. If Milan switches coaches there is no certainty that the new coach plays Pulisic consistently. However, his success this season is providing a great case for the new manager.
He must do whatever he’s been doing to stay healthy. Any extended time out could give another player in Milan a chance to break through and make an impact. It is worth noting that Serie A is a far less physical league than the Prem. The injury problems Pulisic sustained could just be down to his physique. A 5’7″ player is not likely to succeed in the brutal and physical league in England.
If Milan sells a key player or Leao is out, then Pulisic will attract more attention. If Pulisic can stay in the sweet spot of being effective without being the main man, he will continue to tear it up.
What this Means for US Soccer
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the US is hosting some giant international tournaments in the upcoming summers. First, there is Copa America this summer. The US will test itself against South America’s finest. Despite the absolute ineptitude of their manager in games against teams outside North America, Pulisic will have to do his best.
The phone never goes to voicemail when Pulisic plays for the US, he always answers the call. In-form, out-of-form, doesn’t matter, Pulisic shows up for the US. But this is the first time he is in scintillating form for his club. If he carries this over for the US this summer, then the US could challenge for at least a final-four appearance.
A lot could happen before the 2026 World Cup. Yet, Pulisic is already proving himself. His club situation is looking good and he’s healthy. This means from now until then, there won’t be any worry from US fans about him finding the club. This can’t be said for all of the key players on the US team.
Pulisic will need to be the “LeBron James of soccer,” if the US wants any chance of changing soccer in the US forever.
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