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 you’d 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 twice overlooked in a defeat to Fiorentina, with both Theo Hernández and Tammy Abraham missing their spot-kicks. The then-coach, Paulo Fonseca, was understandably frustrated.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Pulisic’s journey at Milan is his adaptability. Many believe his best 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 wing, as the left 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, doesn’t it? 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 shift Pulisic again is puzzling. Pulisic’s performances at No. 10 were not an issue 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.”
- Pulisic’s adaptability: Played wide right, No. 10, and right wing.
- João Félix’s arrival: Shifted Pulisic back to the right wing.
- Leão’s potential: Prioritized on the left flank.
Despite these challenges, Pulisic’s professionalism and versatility are undeniable. “For me, Pulisic can play on the right. He did it under Pioli, he is humble and he is a great professional, so he can play a lot of positions,” Leal adds. “But if you ask me, it’s a waste of his talent.”
Pulisic’s defensive contributions, alongside Milan’s new center forward, Santi Gimenez, are evident. In contrast, João Félix and Leão have struggled to maintain consistent playing time at their previous clubs. This raises the question: should Pulisic be more assertive in demanding his preferred position?
One veteran Serie A assistant coach suggests that Pulisic’s professionalism might be a double-edged sword. While it benefits the team, it might not serve his star power and visibility. Sometimes, being more demanding and egotistical can pay off. Stars don’t get moved around like furniture, and Pulisic is undoubtedly a star.
Despite the challenges, Pulisic’s position in Milan’s starting XI is secure, thanks to his offensive production and defensive work rate. However, Leão’s long-term contract and João Félix’s potential permanent move complicate matters. Where does that leave Pulisic? Out wide on the right, still needing to prove himself, despite being the team’s leading goal contributor.
Originally Written by: Gabriele Marcotti
