‘Not in his DNA’ – USMNT legend reacts to Christian Pulisic penalty drama at AC Milan as American forward avoids ‘another argument’

The United States international is the designated spot-kick taker at San Siro, but saw Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham step up and fluff their lines during a Serie A defeat to Fiorentina. Pulisic found the target in that fixture, but not from 12 yards.

Milan boss Paulo Fonsea has spoken of his frustration at seeing players decide among themselves who would be placing the ball on the spot, with it made clear to all concerned that Pulisic – who successfully converted earlier this season against Venezia – is the go-to option.

Former USMNT goalkeeper Meola has told ‘Morning Footy’ from CBS Sports: “Christian Pulisic looks so much better today not having fought for the penalty kick. Now the manager has cleared it up. The last thing they need is another argument in the locker room right now. There are so many problems behind the scenes and he doesn’t want to become another problem.”

Meola added on Pulisic deciding not to fight his corner, with Fikayo Tomori grabbing the ball from in front of him and passing it to Abraham when Milan were awarded their second penalty in Florence: “Moving forward, there might be another player that comes along and will say, ‘No, no, no, remember what the manager said? This is Christian’s, give the ball to him’. But he’s not going to be that guy. It’s like asking me right now to run a 100-yard dash in 10 seconds, it’s not just going to happen. It’s not in his personality, it's not in his DNA.”

Pulisic is turning his attention to international matters for now, as the USMNT prepares to open a new era under former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, but he will be looking to add to an impressive haul of six goals at club level when Milan return to action at home to Udinese on October 19.