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Robinson and PulisicGOAL
Tom Hindle

Americans Abroad: USMNT’s Christian Pulisic seeks form with AC Milan, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson faces big test

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pulisic hoping to rediscover his attacking touch

What's wrong with Christian Pulisic? Less than two months ago, there were serious debates as to whether the American was world class. he certainly seemed like the best winger in Serie A, and, on form, among the best in Europe. There he was, all pace, power and skill, carrying Milan in the Champions League - even as they stuttered domestically. Now, though, things have changed. He is seeing less of the pitch, getting fewer attempts on goal, and looking worse off than in the tail end of 2024.

Such is the story for Americans in Europe at large of late. What started as an immensely exciting season has sputtered recently. There are reasons for intrigue, though. Antonee Robinson continues to hum along for Fulham - even if his attacking contributions have dried up a little in recent weeks.

Thrown together, and even if this isn't the immensely entertaining campaign that it was just a few months ago, there are still Americans in Europe performing at a high level.

GOAL looks ahead at some of the biggest storylines to follow among Americans Abroad this weekend.

  • Christian Pulisic, AC MilanGetty

    Christian Pulisic looks to shake of recent struggles

    Was Christian Pulisic really punished that badly for missing his first penalty ever? Or he is just out of form? It's not quite clear. But one thing is for sure: the American is not the same player that he was in the early weeks of the campaign. He has gone from essential to a player who shows up in moments over the last month or so. He hasn't found the net since Jan. 29, and has only started two of Milan's last five games. There has been scattered talk that he's still suffering from a knock he picked up in December against Atalanta. Perhaps the signing of the mercurial Joao Felix has limited his chances. It is possible, too, that no longer-new manager Sergio Conceicao has decided to sacrifice the American in the interests of defensive balance.

    The point is: Pulisic used to be essential. Now he feels kind of like spare parts at times. Once again, it has returned to a situation similar to that of last year. The onus is now on him to make things happen and grab the game by the scruff of the neck. Can he be that player on a club level? That's unclear. Lazio, Sunday, would seem to be another chance to show that those worries are nothing more than idle chatter.

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  • Fulham FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier LeagueGetty Images Sport

    Antonee Robinson looks to propel Fulham's cup dreams

    If you're a Premier League team with dreams of winning silverware in the FA Cup, who would you want to play? The obvious answer is perhaps a lower league team. Man City, for example, will hardly be disappointed that they drew Plymouth in the fifth round. But Fulham, after being matched up with Manchester United, might be relatively content. Ruben Amorim's side have been miserable this season. And even though they managed to beat Ipswich midweek, they were far from convincing in victory.

    Enter Antonee Robinson and the Cottagers, then. Old Trafford is a frighteningly easy venue to play at these days. Fulham are a good side. Robinson has dropped off of late from an attacking perspective, but he remains an elite defensive full-back. Man United, in truth, don't have loads going forward. Amad Diallo's season-ending injury has left them devoid of their one true threat on the right. But Robinson might still have his hands full with the floating Bruno Fernandes - especially if Amorim has a trick or two up his sleeve. Either way, Fulham are a win away from an FA Cup quarterfinal. Robinson and Co. grab a result and it might just be time to dream...

  • RB Leipzig v FC St. Pauli 1910 - BundesligaGetty Images Sport

    Injuries and returns

    It is worth acknowledging, too, that the injuries are continuing to rack up. Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, James Sands, and Folarin Balogun are all still sidelined. And although Josh Sargent has returned to both form and fitness, he hardly has an excellent track record when it comes to staying on the pitch. Piece it all together, and it's looking more and more like a bare-bones second half of the season for Americans in Europe.

    There is good news to be found, though. Sergino Dest's return from an ACL injury is accelerating, and reports suggest that he could be back in the fold as soon as next week after spending nearly a year on the sidelines.