Does Christian Pulisic care? ‘Captain America’ responds to USMNT commitment question & discusses role as a No.10 under Mauricio Pochettino

The United States are reflecting on another disappointing display with major silverware up for grabs. Having flopped badly on home soil when suffering a group stage exit at the 2024 Copa America, a CONCACAF Nations League crown has now slipped through collective fingers.

Humbling defeats against Panama and Canada are seeing uncomfortable questions asked of a so-called ‘Golden Generation’ of talent. Pulisic, who is fondly known as ‘Captain America’, forms part of that and is adamant that nobody has been going through the motions during a tough run of form.

Pulisic told CBS Sports after skippering his country again in a frustrating Nations League showing: “This team is everything to me, I care so much for this team, for this country. I hope people know that about me. It is truly an hour to lead this country, it means a lot to me.”

Pulisic is far from being the only culprit when it comes to seeing international performance standards fall well below those being put in at club level. He has been starring for Serie A giants AC Milan, with more personal bests on the cards there.

The 26-year-old has been deployed as a No.10 by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino – rather than on his favoured flanks – but said when asked about filling that playmaking post: “I like it, I like playing in that role a lot. The past two games, I’ve not seen as much of the ball as I’d like so it can be tough at times. I feel comfortable there though.”

The USMNT will get another shot at securing tangible success this summer when opening a quest for Gold Cup glory. Pochettino may be a few star turns short for that event as it gets underway on the same day as the newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup – which is also heading to the United States.