USMNT star Christian Pulisic backed to become a ‘leader’ at AC Milan as ‘amazing talent’ is saluted by World Cup-winning Rossoneri legend

Pulisic has been posting personal bests since arriving at San Siro in 2023. He severed ties with Premier League giants Chelsea at that point, with frustration being endured in England despite becoming a Champions League winner.

The United States international was looking for a fresh start somewhere that he felt wanted and appreciated. He has now passed 100 appearances for Milan, scoring 38 goals in the process, and is considered to be an important part of long-term plans. That is why a new contract for Pulisic has been discussed.

Asked for his opinion on Pulisic and the role that he has to play for Milan heading forward, ex-France international Desailly - speaking in association with OLBG - told GOAL: “I was very happy to see him coming to Milan. Last year, he had a decent season on and off. Unfortunately, he gets injured and he doesn't have that consistency that we are expecting of a leader of your animation, your offensive animation for the team. But he has a talent. He has an amazing talent. He is part of the player that you expect him to lead that animation.

“So yes, I hope you will, especially for him, you know, he's American and people don't especially know it is a vital year for him. So that's why we expect him to perform now that we've brought into the system a player that can match with his ability.

“He's meant to play a little bit on that right side. He's not really a goal scorer. Out of six matches, I think he scored four goals this season. An important one, he missed a penalty. But I would say that I'm pleased that now he's turned around with the quality that will eventually boost him to become the leader that AC Milan is looking after.”

Pulisic, who is known as ‘Captain America’ in his homeland, has been billed as a potential Milan skipper of the not too distant future. He has told DAZN when responding to those claims: "It’s a cool nickname. Captain of AC Milan? For now, Captain America will do. We will see what happens.”

The 27-year-old’s ability continues to be talked up, with international team-mate Tyler Adams of the opinion that Pulisic deserves to be ranked among the global elite. He has told Men In Blazers: “If he’s not world-class already, he’s as close as you get to being world-class. And I don't say that lightly, of course, but how can you deny it? If we're going to call someone that's joint top scorer with him world-class, why are we not calling him world-class?”

While Milan are working hard to get Pulisic tied down on fresh terms, said paperwork remains incomplete. The hard-working forward has delayed a huge decision in his career while he assesses the direction in which the Rossoneri are heading - with European qualification proving to be elusive last season.

He may yet commit to a new deal, but former USMNT goalkeeper Brad Friedel told GOAL recently when asked what his advice to Pulisic would be: “If I was advising him, I would be looking at teams in Europe and seeing what’s happening at AC Milan, for sure. I would make sure, especially in World Cup year, that my client is playing. He is playing, so that’s the best thing. But I think I would have an eye open somewhere else.”

Pulisic has shown that he is capable of starring for a top European club, with that standing attracting plenty of admiring glances. A return to the Premier League has been speculated on, with it yet to be determined whether words of wisdom from Friedel will be heeded in upcoming transfer windows.