Tuttosport, in this morning's print edition, spoke about Christian Pulisic who is crucial in Paulo Fonseca's Milan. "I think you have moments in your career where it feels like everything you touch goes in." That is what the American said in a recent interview and that is what happened the other night for Christian Pulisic, with the goal straight from the corner flag.
Everyone immediately started shouting or chatting about an 'Olympic goal.' In reality, it was an 'Olympic stroke of luck,' as admitted by the American himself: "It was a good cross, it was a nice goal, but unintentional."
Still, the goal helped Milan's number 11 to break open a surprisingly complicated match against Club Brugge (where Milan finally secured their first Champions League win), and it allowed him to further improve his statistics.
Pulisic’s central role in Milan's balance.
Many raised an eyebrow when the club signed him from Chelsea in the summer of 2023. Having arrived in the Premier League in 2019 as one of the most promising young players (he was 21), he gradually faded into the background due to physical issues, unstable management, and Chelsea's tendency to quickly fall in and out of love with players. Essentially, Pulisic was seen as a burden, not a resource.
At Milan, it’s a completely different story, first under Stefano Pioli and now Paulo Fonseca. They found in Pulisic a fit, technically impeccable player who is willing to sacrifice. He’s ready to move from his preferred left wing to allow Leao to occupy it, without losing effectiveness. He’s even performed in other roles, including defence, as seen when Milan was down to ten men against Udinese. Against Bruges, he finished as a central midfielder in the 4-3-3, when Fonseca sought more verticality by bringing on Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze on the wings (a move rewarded with actions leading to the 3-1 scoreline).
Pulisic is therefore a player perfectly suited for Milan
That is especially for a club with American ownership, which now has an American leader. He’s also the captain of the U.S. national team. His rise contrasts sharply with the sluggish form of the player he left behind at Chelsea, as shown in combined goals and assists.
The coach and fans are now enjoying Pulisic's contributions and are waiting for Rafael Leao to finally switch gears and improve as well.
