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Put the age aside, Christian Pulisic has rejuvenated the United States Men’s National Team and soccer in America as a whole. Going into the 2018 World Cup, there is a different stigma about U.S. Soccer and the Pulisic’s emergence has been a major key.
Who would have thought a kid straight outta Hershey, Pennsylvania would start a soccer revolution in America? A lot of this has to do with the kind of person he is. Nothing was given to him. Pulisic worked hard to achieve the success he’s had thus far. When Borussia Dortmund called, he had to decide to break the mold and take a risk. It was not easy at Dortmund for Pulisic initially, but he eventually found his place like he always does. Now, Pulisic has found a place with the USMNT and he is poised to be their best player and an inspiration for fans for years to come.
On the field, he makes everyone around him better. With him on the field, there is always that risk factor. He can either create a chance for someone else or himself with the blink of an eye. It is the first time in ages the USMNT has had a player with that kind of ability. He is a constant threat and opposing teams do not want to risk giving any space to him. Look at all the games Pulisic has played in. In every one, he has been the team’s biggest threat with or without the ball.
Christian Pulisic's 12 combined goals & assists (7 goals, 5 assists) are the most by a #USMNT player in his 1st 15 caps. (via @EliasSports)
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 9, 2017
Without a doubt, he is the biggest influence on the game. Playing in the number 10 role, Pulisic has one job: get the ball and be a playmaker. He controls the game and the game goes through him. By being this big of an influence, he has made everyone else’s job a lot easier. For example, Michael Bradley and the other center midfielder are not pressured to get forward in attack. With Pulisic in the number 10 role, we have seen a rejuvenated Bradley in the last two World Cup qualifiers.
A player with the talent of Pulisic will make everyone around him better. We have seen a direct result of that in recent games. Until Pulisic came, this country was begging for a playmaker. Pulisic has raised the level of the USMNT’s play and the expectations have changed. While on the field, Pulisic’s influence is immense, his presence off the field is felt even more. This country has a legit player to get behind.
Christian Pulisic put America on his back. pic.twitter.com/TMqjxjg6Ue
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 9, 2017
The whole psyche of U.S. soccer has changed because of Christian Pulisic. Across the whole country, they speak of Pulisic as an American superstar, a real life superhero, a Captain America. As we move toward the 2018 FIFA World Cup, fans believe that with Pulisic on the field, anything can happen.
There has been a lot of hype of young USMNT players over the years, but for the first time in a long time, we have not been burned. Christian Pulisic is the real deal and going forward, the United States is set to ride his coattails.
The USMNT is on the rise and Pulisic is leading the charge. Going into Russia 2018 and even beyond, the USMNT will always have a fighting chance because they will have a player with Pulisic’s talent, character and will on the team. From Hershey, Pennsylvania to the forefront of U.S. Soccer, Christian Pulisic has completely changed the USMNT on the field and pride in the team in the stands. It’s Pulisic’s world, and he’s bringing all the fresh air we U.S. Soccer fans need.