Is Christian Pulisic’s career season for AC Milan the USMNT star’s new normal? This question arises as the American forward continues to shine at one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world. The recent sight of Pulisic on the bench during AC Milan’s 2-0 defeat to Napoli was startling, highlighting his rapid rise to prominence.
It was revealed that Pulisic was sidelined due to the flu, explaining his limited impact in the match after entering in the second half. Prior to this setback, he had been a force on the field, consistently contributing to his team’s efforts.
Before the Napoli match, Pulisic had registered at least one goal or assist in every Serie A game this season, totaling seven matches. He also added two goals in three UEFA Champions League appearances, solidifying his role as a key player for both AC Milan and the U.S. men’s national team, where he leads with five goal contributions this year.
Yunus Musah, a teammate at both AC Milan and the USMNT, praised Pulisic, stating, “He’s like our best attacking player right now. He’s flying.” This sentiment reflects the growing expectations surrounding Pulisic’s performance.
Pulisic is on track to surpass his previous career-best season, where he netted 15 goals across all competitions in 2023-24. This season, he aims for an impressive 20 goals in Serie A alone.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Pulisic remarked, “I’m loving Italy. It has changed my career around.” His positive experiences in Serie A have contributed to his remarkable form.
Currently, Pulisic is displaying the best form of his career, making observers wonder if this is a temporary peak or a new standard for his performance. Since joining AC Milan in the summer of 2023, discussions have shifted from his talent to his ability to remain injury-free.
At just 20 years old, Pulisic joined Chelsea in the Premier League, where he had a promising start with 11 goals in his debut season and a Champions League title in his second. However, his tenure in London was marred by injuries that hindered his ability to maintain consistent performance.
Reflecting on his time at Chelsea, Pulisic shared, “When you’re constantly in and out of the lineup, it can be hard.” He candidly discussed his mental health challenges during this period in his book, *My Journey So Far*, emphasizing the difficulties of adapting to a fluctuating role.
He noted that his body has adjusted to the demands of high-intensity performances, which has been beneficial. The additional muscle he has gained over the past two years has also enhanced his confidence on the pitch.
Ahead of a recent friendly against Panama, Pulisic’s growing stature was apparent, as he assisted in a game-winning goal. A reporter even remarked on his seeming increase in height compared to previous years.
Pulisic acknowledged the challenges of stepping out of his comfort zone, including his efforts to communicate in Italian, which he has been practicing with teammates and during live interviews.
Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT coach, sees immense potential in Pulisic. With the World Cup approaching, he believes Pulisic can become a prominent figure in American sports culture. Pochettino, who has worked with global stars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé, is committed to helping Pulisic reach his full potential.
Pochettino stated, “For us, it’s not enough, [whether] it’s Pulisic or a different player. We need to help them to be better and better.” This perspective highlights the ongoing support and expectations surrounding Pulisic’s development.
For opposing defenses that have struggled to contain Pulisic’s current form, the prospect of his continued improvement is indeed daunting.
