Christian Pulisic is no longer a focal point for the US or Milan – and that's OK
Quick summary
Guardian analysis arguing that Christian Pulisic's diminishing role with both AC Milan and the USMNT is a natural evolution rather than a crisis, as younger talents emerge around him.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceThe winger is 28, and younger teammates are rising into the high-pressure spots he has usually occupied
Usually, the second weekend of October sees Christian Pulisic flanked by compatriots as the Star-Spangled Banner plays. Last year, he was involved in US friendlies against Ecuador and Australia. But this year, with Fifa having folded the October window into September, Pulisic didn’t have the chance. On Sunday, his prescribed pre-match music was O Generosa, the Serie A anthem, which he observed with a soft smile.
Mark Twain’s first visit to Italy left him describing the country as “a vast museum of magnificence and misery,” and it’s a fitting summary of Pulisic’s three-plus years with Milan. The magnificence: 43 goals and 28 assists in 138 appearances. The misery: just one trophy since he arrived in July 2023, a 2025 Supercoppa Italia held in Saudi Arabia.
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What happened
The Guardian publishes an editorial examining Christian Pulisic's evolving status at both AC Milan and the US national team. The piece argues that Pulisic's reduced prominence reflects the natural rise of younger attacking talent around him rather than a decline in his quality. It frames this transition as healthy for both club and country, with the USMNT developing a deeper attacking pool and Milan finding more balanced options. The article adopts a calm, long-view perspective on a player who was once the undisputed face of the American men's national team.
Chance analysis
Pulisic remains a quality player, but the conversation around him has shifted from "can he carry the team?" to "does he still need to?" At Milan, tactical changes and the form of wide attackers have pushed him out of the spotlight, while with the USMNT the emergence of a new generation means the side no longer depends on a single creative hub. For fans, the takeaway is less about Pulisic's decline and more about the broader strengthening of American soccer: a deeper squad is a sign of progress, not regression. His role going forward is likely to be complementary rather than central, which is a healthier place for everyone involved.
Pulisic's tactical importance is diminishing at both club and international level, reflecting squad depth rather than individual decline.