Why USMNT star Christian Pulisic is ‘one of the best in the world’ as Tyler Adams assesses ‘numbers’ added to AC Milan forward’s game

Having decided to sever ties with Premier League giants Chelsea in the summer of 2023, Pulisic enjoyed a career-best campaign during his first year at San Siro. Despite often operating away from his favoured left flank, the 25-year-old forward was able to register 15 goals through 50 appearances.

Pulisic is also a talismanic presence for his country, helping them to another CONCACAF Nations League crown in 2024 while taking his collection of senior international caps to 67. He is now readying himself for a Copa America campaign on home soil.

Adams is hoping to see Pulisic shine again at that tournament, with the Bournemouth midfielder telling the Men In Blazers podcast of what makes his fellow countryman special: “For me it’s pretty simple. He’s one of the best in the world in his position when he’s fully healthy. That really became evident this year – the numbers that he was putting up. A lot of people would do the eye test and say he has the potential to be one of the best in the world but after adding the numbers and statistics this season and playing every single game – I’m not sure he missed any games – it is so clear that he is one of the best in the world in his position. For me the quality that he has – dribbling one-on-one, his soccer IQ is through the roof, he understands the game so well and reads different situations – the amazing part is that if you asked him tomorrow, he would say he loves playing on the left side of the field, he is so comfortable there, but he did all this playing on the right side. I think in football you have to be constantly evolving your game, and you saw him evolve and take another step this season. I’m super happy for him. There is no-one that deserves it more because I don’t think people understand what he goes through, the magnifying glass that is constantly on him with the level that he’s at, so I’m super happy for him.”

Pulisic and Co fluffed their lines in a humbling 5-1 pre-Copa defeat to Colombia in their latest outing, but they will be back in action on Wednesday against Brazil. Another tough test there will have them ready for a competitive clash with Bolivia on June 23.