Christian Pulisic's Continued Success in Europe
On Saturday, February 12th Chelsea defeated Palmeiras 2-1 in the Fifa Club World Cup. This is significant for American football due to the fact that this makes Christian Pulisic the first American to lift this trophy. This adds to a very impressive year for Pulisic as he has also won the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup with his club, as well as the CONCACAF Nations League with Team USA. Chelsea is currently positioned third in the Premier League table 16 points behind leaders Manchester City, which may be too far of a margin for Chelsea and Pulisic to capture a league title.
Pulisic was subbed on just 30 minutes into the match following a Mason Mount injury. Manager Thomas Tuchel turned to the Americans to create havoc on the left-wing, and Pulisic contributed just that. Pulisic created had three chances on net in the match, putting his first two just wide of the net. The last came from a brilliant cross from teammate Timo Werner, Pulisic headed the ball but it was deflected up and off the crossbar by a defender. Pulisic also provided some help on the defensive end along with his pressure up front, dropping into a left wing-back position during extra time as Tuchel continued to make substitutions. Showing once again that the American captain is willing to do whatever it takes to win.
The USMNT has a string of world cup qualifying games in March. Away matches at Mexico and Costa Rica, and a home match against Panama are crucial for the United States hopes at returning to the world cup. Hopefully, this success and playing time at the club level will continue forward for Pulisic on the national stage, as the USMNT rely greatly on their captain's play. Pulisic will have the opportunity to play again on February 19th when Chelsea faces Crystal Palace in a league showdown.
As Pulisic continues to age, he is gaining more and more experience on the field. As a young American already making his name known throughout the EPL is already an amazing statistic for the young legends resume. He now has to add a World Cup contender on that resume after last World Cups sad ending. As he is playing his heart out for Chelsea and helping them improve through the EPL, he is also focused on getting his home country to their first World Cup since 2014. in Brazil.
ReplyDeleteEven though Christian Pulisic is so young, I personally believe is on pace to be the greatest and most successful American soccer player ever. He already has racked up several achievements such as winning the UEFA Champions League and Super Cup with his club, and is leading the charge for the USMNT. The US has a match scheduled for tomorrow so it'll be interesting to see Pulisic's performance and if the USMNT is able to hold off Mexico in their quest to qualify for the World Cup.
ReplyDeleteChristian Pulisic is probably the greatest American player ever and he is not even 24 years old yet. There was not much of a bar set for young football professionals that originate from USA. This is very rare to see as the USA is the center for so many sports from hockey to basketball to baseball and more. It will be interesting to see how he deals with the pressure of the national team but with the addition of Westom Mckenny, Dest, and Reina he will feel more comfortable.
ReplyDeletePulisic, for me, was the first thing about American soccer to look forward to in a long time. When I heard that he made it over to Dortmund when entering Europe, I was astonished. An American on one of Germany's best club teams, seemed too good to be true. Now, with the way he has been valued by other clubs like Chelsea as well as how he has led the new and upcoming USMNT, it makes me very excited to see what else he has in store. He is one of those athletes that seems like he is up for the challenge. When looking at it, he really paved the way for other American players to make it over to Europe as well. He revealed his valuable talents, convincing other clubs that some Americans have real value to offer some of these European clubs. I am excited to see what else he can accomplish in the near future, especially with the USMNT.
ReplyDeleteChristian Pulisic's popularity continues to grow across America and I believe this isa very good thing for the growth of soccer in the United States. Pulisic is arguably the best and most talented America in the world right now and he is playing on one of the best teams in the world. He continues to show his worth and talent in games for Chelsea and continues to be a great role model for American and global soccer fans across the world.
ReplyDeleteThis is the golden generation of American soccer players. We had the lowest average squad age of the top 100 nations at 23 years old. Things are looking up as many other players (in addition to Pulisic of course) continue to move abroad. The Bundesliga has done wonders for us, and I'm excited for others to follow Christian and move to the Premier League.
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