After a Tough International Window, Winger Ready to Continue Strong Season at Milan
Christian Pulisic finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. He faces intense scrutiny following the USMNT's disappointing performance in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals while simultaneously maintaining his crucial role at AC Milan.
The 26-year-old captain's recent international tournament was marked by criticism, with performances that left fans and pundits questioning his impact. Against Canada, Pulisic managed just 21 touches in 69 minutes, registering zero shots on goal and creating no significant chances. These statistics sparked a broader conversation about his effectiveness in this national team setup.
However, Pulisic has been resolute in his response. "This team is everything to me," he emphasized, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the national team. Renowned football pundit Thierry Henry has been particularly supportive, cautioning against unfair expectations and arguing that Pulisic should be appreciated for his unique leadership style.
"Stop forcing him to be something he's not," Henry argued, highlighting Pulisic's strengths as a technical player rather than an aggressive, vocal leader.
Despite the international disappointment, Milan continues to view Pulisic as an indispensable player. Heading into their crucial match against Napoli, the Italian club will rely heavily on the American star as Pulisic is Milan's second-top scorer this season, with 15 goals across all competitions.
Coach Sergio Conceiçao sees Pulisic as critical to the team's tactical approach, expecting significant offensive contributions in terms of both goals and assists. His ability to provide defensive balance and challenge opponents is a key element of Milan's strategy.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Pulisic remains a pivotal figure for both Milan and the USMNT, with the potential to silence critics and redefine expectations through his performance through the end of the club campaign and the Gold Cup this summer.
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