When Milan gamers stroll out onto the pitch at San Siro on Saturday to face Fiorentina, there can be extra at stake than simply three factors. Because the Rossoneri proceed their pursuit of a powerful end to a turbulent Serie A marketing campaign, one among their most constant stars is quietly closing in on a milestone that would place him among the many elite in the USA’ soccer historical past.
Christian Pulisic, who has shortly established himself as a pillar of Milan’s present challenge, has the possibility to surpass a file held by one other iconic USMNT determine in Europe’s prime 5 leagues—a participant whose legacy Pulisic is steadily rewriting.
After spells at Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea, Pulisic’s transfer to Milan in the summertime of 2023 raised questions. May he discover consistency in Italy? May he thrive in a brand new tactical system and show himself exterior the Premier League? The reply, thus far, has been a powerful sure.
Since arriving at San Siro, the American winger has not solely tailored to life in Serie A, however he’s flourished, changing into one of many few brilliant spots in what has in any other case been a irritating marketing campaign for the Pink and Blacks. With 15 targets and 9 assists in 40 appearances throughout all competitions, he has already loved one of the crucial productive seasons of his profession.
His versatility has been a revelation. Whether or not deployed on the wing or extra centrally—as he’ll possible be towards Fiorentina—Pulisic’s affect on the workforce’s offensive output has been plain. And with that consistency has come reward: the membership is getting ready to renew his contract by way of 2029, with a wage enhance from $4.4 million to $5.5 million per yr already agreed in precept.
Historic mark inside attain
Whereas Pulisic’s numbers this season are spectacular on their very own, there’s an added layer of significance to his subsequent potential objective. Ought to he discover the online towards Fiorentina or every other upcoming league recreation, he’ll attain double figures in Serie A, including to the 12 targets he’s already tallied in all competitions this season.
In doing so, he would turn into simply the second American participant ever to attain 10 or extra targets in two consecutive seasons in Europe’s prime 5 leagues within the 2000s. The one different to attain that feat? Clint Dempsey, the trailblazing USMNT ahead who lit up the Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham.
For the 26-year-old ace, that is greater than a statistical milestone—it’s a symbolic passing of the torch. Because the face of a brand new technology of American stars in Europe, he’s now starting to outline the legacy as soon as carved by legends like Dempsey.
