'He doesn't talk much' - AC Milan boss explains what makes Christian Pulisic an 'exemplary professional' as USMNT star's super season continues

Pulisic scored his 10th goal of the Serie A season, to add to his six assists already this campaign, once again proving what a bargain signing he has been. Pulisic joined AC Milan from Chelsea for €20 million (£17m/$22m) last summer and has rediscovered his best form in Italy. His boss has been keen to credit his application and professionalism as key to his success in Milan.

Pioli praised Pulisic as he recalled his first talks with the American before completing the summer transfer, telling DAZN: "I’ve had many video calls to explain the playing style and I rarely get the wrong sensation from the players. I knew Pulisic’s quality, but when we talked on a video call, I sensed something very positive. He was very eager, curious, interested in everything I had to say.

"He doesn’t talk very much, but it’s the attitude that shines through from a person. His attitude is fantastic, he is an exemplary professional and hard worker who will help the team to get stronger.

"We changed over 20 players this season, between coming and going. We are very close to the Milan I want, but now that we are in good shape, we have to keep raising the bar in terms of intensity and quality."

To rub salt even deeper into his former team's wounds, his goal on Saturday means that Pulisic has now scored more goals from open play than any Chelsea player has this season. Nicolas Jackson is Chelsea's top scorer in open play with nine and Cole Palmer, who has 16 goals for the Blues, has just seven from open play.

AC Milan face an all-Italian quarter-final tie in the Europa League as they host Roma on Thursday. The Europa League may prove to be their best chance to lift a trophy this season with Inter running away with the league title.