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Writer's pictureLuca Salmasi

Christian Pulisic: An Italian Resurgence For Captain America

Christian Pulisic joined AC Milan in July 2023, and since his second season started for the Rossoneri, he has undoubtedly found his feet in Italy; he seems to be flourishing under the club's new management, looking to be the best version of himself.



Christian Pulisic has been a crucial part of the AC Milan starting eleven in his two seasons so far; since the start of the 24/25 season, he has showcased some of his true potential, most notably his dribble and goal against Inter after only 10 minutes in the first Derby Della Madonnina this season which was undoubtedly his highlight reel moment of the match.


There isn't much you can do in a Milan shirt that's better than putting in one of your best performances for the club against Inter.



The winger registered 12 goals and eight assists in his first season and has started this season in even better form, racking up five goals and three assists so far. He is well on his way to improving on last year's goal contributions.


Christian Pulisic has been seen as one of America's brightest stars since he began his career as a teenager at Borussia Dortmund. Since then, his career has meandered to the Premier League, but Chelsea turned out not to be the right club for his development. He has also experienced a handful of injuries.


Pulisic has become the player Milan thought he would be. He is maybe even the US's best player and has never been better since his move to Italy.



Initially what has helped his transition to the Serie A is that under previous manager Stefano Pioli is that his system was based on a transition-heavy approach, which allowed Milan to play in open space which allowed the American to thrive.


However when Fonseca was appointed for this current season, it became clear that he favours a more possession-based approach and with this there were initially concerns whether he would be suitable in this new system.


Since Fonseca has come in he experimented with Pulisic as a Number 10 in the first game which didn't quite work, however in games such as the derby he started in his usual right winger position and was able to make an impact through the middle against Inter just as Fonseca intended on the opening day.


Whilst this tactic may not always be effective, another instance he managed to adapt to football under Fonseca was during their loss to Liverpool in the Champions League.



In the opening minutes of the game, Pulisic proved how much of a threat he has become this season punishing Kostas Tsimikas in the process for vacating the full-back area.


In comparison to his time at Chelsea, Pulisic was often criticised for taking too many touches, slowing down attacking moves, and limiting his own attacking threat. However, in comparison to his start at AC Milan, he has quickened his play, made faster decisions, and put up better numbers so far in his two years as a result. At his current rate, he surely can break the 10-goal mark this season.





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