Christian Pulisic, the creator! USMNT star plays part in two goals as AC Milan take down Cagliari

It started off all wrong for Milan, who conceded the opener to Zito Luvumbo in the 29th minute despite totally dominating possession.

An error from Boris Radunovic helped Milan get right back into the game, and it was Pulisic that created that error. After beating a defender on the left-hand side, Pulisic whipped in a cross just inside the six-yard box, which Radunovic promptly spilled. The ball fell right to Noah Okafor, who placed it into the back of the net for a goal in his first Milan start.

Milan doubled the lead just five minutes later, as Fikayo Tomori got onto the end of a Tijjani Reijnders cross to make it 2-1 just before halftime.

Pulisic then played a part in making it 3-1, playing the ball to former Chelsea teammate Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who proceeded to hit a screamer to all but seal the result.

Milan started something of a rotated XI, with both Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud rested as they took on one of the lesser teams in Serie A.

Pulisic, as a result, started on the left, the side generally occupied by Portuguese superstar Leao. It's the position that he's played most commonly with the USMNT and, as a result, he looked plenty comfortable on that side.

He played his part in two goals, although he only earned a direct assist for one, as he made a solid statement ahead of big Serie A and Champions League matches over the coming week.

Musah, meanwhile, came on as a second-half substitute, replacing Reijnders, as Milan continue to ease the American midfielder into the team.

He'll only be credited with the one assist but, either way, the USMNT will be glad to see Pulisic back contributing to goals.

Milan's attack is a bit crowded, although nowhere near as crowded as Chelsea's was, and that means that Pulisic will need to maintain a certain level to retain his place in the team. He started hot with goals in his first two matches but had come back to earth a bit since, which makes this importance all the more comforting.

Yes, it came against one of Serie A's bottom-feeders, but, regardless, a confident, creative Pulisic is a major asset for both Milan and the USMNT going forward.

Christian Pulisic (8/10):

An influential performance from the American, who created two of Milan's three goals. Was confident on the ball and ready to make things happen. A very good effort as the Champions League looms once again.

Yunus Musah (6/10):

Smooth on the ball, very composed with his passing and had one decent shot on goal. A good day for Musah, who is continuing to grow into the team after his big move.

Milan will face a short turnaround as they return home to host Lazio on Saturday.

After that, they'll head straight to Germany for their second Champions League clash as Pulisic, Musah and Milan take on Gio Reyna's Borussia Dortmund.