Explained: How AC Milan lure rivals into Christian Pulisic trap as USMNT star bests talismanic team-mate Rafael Leao in important department

A summer transfer deal with Chelsea was intended to bring a player to San Siro that would help to provide attacking spark – and Champions League winner Pulisic has done that by registering career firsts when it comes to goals and assists.

Pulisic is, however, renowned as much for his work rate as his end product, and it is those qualities that Milan have been embracing. The United States international can be relied upon to do his best at both ends of the field – which is not always the case when it comes to his fellow attackers.

According to Yahoo Sport, courtesy of veteran reporter Paolo Condo, Pioli recently revealed at a tactics seminar held for an exclusive group of journalists that Milan set up in such a way as to encourage rivals to play down the side of the field that Pulisic occupies – as he is more willing to track back than talismanic forward Rafael Leao on the opposite flank.

That approach is paying dividends, with Pulisic involved in all areas of the pitch. Only two team-mates - Tijjani Reijnders and fellow American Yunus Musah – have covered more ground while sprinting this season, while Pulisic has registered the second-most shots on target, sits third in the successful dribbles stakes and fourth for key passes. Milan’s plan is clearly working, with there still the promise of much more to come.