Christian Pulisic: A Star with Something to Prove at AC Milan
MILAN, Italy — Christian Pulisic, the American soccer sensation, is once again in the spotlight at AC Milan, and not necessarily for the reasons one might expect. Despite his impressive contributions on the field, Pulisic finds himself in a position where he has to prove his worth all over again. It’s a situation that seems almost unfair, given his track record.
Let’s dive into the numbers. Pulisic leads the Rossoneri in goal contributions with 12 this season, following a stellar performance last year where he notched 20, second only to Olivier Giroud. Giroud has since moved on to Major League Soccer in 2024. Off the ball, Pulisic’s work rate and dedication have earned him high praise, with a former assistant coach describing him as “one of the best professionals I worked with in my career.”
Yet, in a surprising turn of events, Pulisic was the first player substituted during Milan’s recent Champions League clash against Feyenoord. The match was tied 1-1 on aggregate, and the decision to take him off the pitch raised eyebrows. This isn’t the first time Pulisic has faced such challenges. Last October, he was the club’s designated penalty taker but was bypassed twice in a defeat to Fiorentina, with both Theo Hernández and Tammy Abraham missing their spot-kicks, leaving then-coach Paulo Fonseca fuming.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Pulisic’s journey at Milan is his adaptability. Many believe his most effective position is as a left winger, yet he has had to adjust his game repeatedly. In his first season, he played mostly on the right, as the left wing was occupied by Rafael Leão. Earlier this season, Fonseca deployed him in the No. 10 role, where he thrived. However, with the arrival of Sérgio Conceição as the new coach and the signing of João Félix from Chelsea, Pulisic found himself back on the right wing.
It seems counterintuitive to shift a player of Pulisic’s caliber around the pitch. Teams typically build around their most productive players. While prioritizing Leão on the left makes sense given his potential, the decision to add João Félix and move Pulisic again is puzzling. Pulisic’s performances at No. 10 were not an area that needed fixing.
Tiago Leal, Fonseca’s former assistant, believes Pulisic’s best position is at No. 10. “He is a player with the ability to operate in tight, congested areas,” Leal says. “Technically, he is top level, he can make a difference in traffic, he has a high football IQ and is a really smart player.” Leal argues that even if Leão weren’t in the picture, Pulisic should play at No. 10, closer to the goal.
Despite the changes, Pulisic’s position in Milan’s starting XI is secure, thanks to his offensive production. Unlike João Félix and Leão, who sometimes fade when the opponent has possession, Pulisic consistently puts in a defensive shift. Coaches can’t afford to have multiple players who don’t contribute defensively.
- Pulisic leads Milan in goal contributions with 12 this season.
- He was second only to Olivier Giroud last season with 20 contributions.
- Despite his productivity, Pulisic has been moved around the pitch multiple times.
- His adaptability is both a strength and a challenge.
However, Leão is Milan’s highest-paid player with a long-term contract, and the club is committed to him. João Félix, on loan but eager to make the move permanent, is Conceição’s project. This leaves Pulisic on the right wing, despite being the team’s leading goal contributor.
One veteran Serie A assistant coach suggests that Pulisic’s professionalism and versatility are valuable, but perhaps he should be more demanding. Sometimes, being a “squeaky wheel” gets results, and stars like Pulisic shouldn’t be moved around like furniture.
In the end, Pulisic remains a key player for Milan, but the constant need to prove himself is a testament to his resilience and dedication. As he continues to adapt and excel, one can’t help but wonder if it’s time for Milan to fully embrace his talents and build around him.
Originally Written by: Gabriele Marcotti
