COLUMBUS, Ohio — When the U.S. Men’s National Team took a two-goal lead in the first half vs. Guatemala, the thought of seeing Christian Pulisic make his international debut began to pop into many observers’ heads. It then seemed like a foregone conclusion after the U.S. made it 3-0 a mere seconds after halftime.
Then, in the 81st minute, Pulisic made his way onto the field.
U.S. head coach Jurgen Klinsmann cap-tied his latest promising youngster on Tuesday night, playing Pulisic in the final few minutes of the Americans’ 4-0 rout of Guatemala. The 17-year-old midfielder replaced Graham Zusi as the U.S.’s final substitute in the World Cup Qualifying match at Mapfre Stadium, and Pulisic’s brief cameo provided fans a brief glimpse of what he is capable of.
It also also allowed Klinsmann to scratch something off his to-do list.
“Our wish was to get Christian Pulisic on the field to get him part of our future,” said Klinsmann. “I think, in (however) many minutes, you saw the talent that he has.”
It always seemed like a foregone conclusion that Pulisic would represent the Americans at the international level after suiting up for only their youth national teams, but his quality caught the eye of Croatia. Pulisic was eligible to play for the European nation prior to Tuesday because his grandfather is from there, and the talented Borussia Dortmund prospect supposedly had spoken to Croatia’s federation in recent months.
Not that Pulisic wanted to disclose any details about that after earning his first U.S. cap.
“We’ll just leave that to the side,” said Pulisic. “You guys know I just played with the U.S., so you don’t have to worry.”
Pulisic could have missed the game against Guatemala, however. He was suffering from a cold a week ago that threatened his availability, but ultimately was deemed healthy enough to travel to the United States. Pulisic joined his compatriots over the weekend, and was included on Klinsmann’s match-day roster for what was essentially a must-win qualifier.
The Hershey, Pennsylvania, native likely would not have seen time on the field if the game had hung in the balance, but was able to earn some minutes given the healthy lead the U.S. had late. His brief stint and the circumstances in which they came may not have been conducive for drawing major conclusions about Pulisic – not that any should be made about a player his age – but the teenager showed small flashes of the confidence and skill that saw him start and play in German Bundesliga games earlier this season.
“When you’re a younger player, you tend to get very nervous and very excited and then you overthink some situations, but he was very calm, very balanced,” said Klinsmann. “I told him, ‘Just do it like you were in Dortmund. Have the same approach. Go at people. No problem if you kind of lose a ball, no issue at all. Just turn around and chase it back.’
“That’s what he did. It’s nice.”
What was nice for Klinsmann was a dream come true for Pulisic, who like any soccer-loving teen has dreamed of playing for his country.
“It’s a big honor that I know the coaches have trust in me to go in to such a big game, and do a good job and just do everything I can to help the team win,” said Pulisic. “It’s great. I was really excited to be a part of this.”
Pulisic will now head back to Borussia Dortmund to continue his development. It is unclear how much playing time he will see during this stretch run in the Bundesliga season given that the club is currently in second place, and just five points off from league leader Bayern Munich.
Whether Pulisic plays or not, his immense potential and experience have many believing that he has a bright future ahead of him. Both for club and for country.
“He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he’s quiet, he’s humble, and he’s got some fantastic skill,” said centerback Geoff Cameron. “He’s a guy that will be a big player for us eventually. He’s a young kid, so (the media shouldn’t) overblow him up. Just let him do what he does and he’ll be a great talent for us.”
I biggest difference I see in Pulisic that I never saw really in any of the other young hyped players is just the fight. If Pulisic looses the ball he is doing everything he can to go win it back right away.
Right now that’s probably the biggest knock against Zelalem. His passing is great, he switches the point of attack, very calm on the ball, but probably too calm without the ball. Not that you have to be overly aggressive but it can look bad if you aren’t putting in that extra effort.
Watch how fast this coach and US Soccer take credit for developing this kid. So much of his development started with one of our top US youth coaches, Steve Klein who pumps out great players from Amish country in Lancaster, PA. It all starts with a plan for player development and we don’t have too many guys like Steve who actually have one
I don’t really understand the leave him with his club for the next X number of years argument. Its not like there is much going on during international call ups at their clubs, especially clubs like Dortmund most of their roster was with their national teams this week. The US has gotten smarter with scheduling friendlies in Europe to lessen the travel load. I wouldn’t call him in for an El Salvador friendly in Los Angelos, but there’s no reason to just ignore him until he’s 22 or 23. And the hype train around CP is nothing like the hypesurrounding Adu, he was marketing superstar for his first few years in MLS.
They wont, comparing his situation to say other hyped young players like Green or Adu is really silly when you compare each situation, Pulisic’s hype is based completely on his own performances at various levels including these 10 mins and his time playing for one of the top teams in the world.
haha, i compared his situation, im an idiot, but i think the general jist is clear
Green and Adu did not have the same hype. I remember the Adu hype and it was much more. Plus did more at 19/20, now than Ffeddy did at approximately the same age.
This kid is the real deal. In a few years we will be talking about him as the best player in the USA has ever had. Not even messi was playing at such a high level at the age of 17.
I would refrain myself from comparing him to arguably the greatest plater of all time.
please tell me you are being facetious.
Only thing to do now is ruin his career so he comes to the MLS right? That’s what US fans want right?
A great player at 17 does not always make a great player at 18, 20, 23 or 25 for that matter. However, the kid earned his USMNT cap by earning minutes with Borussia Dortmund in meaningful matches in Germany’s 1st division. No small feat as many here already know.
It may be a bit much to claim that he is an international caliber player at 17, but hopefully the road to the full USMNT will be a short one (2-3 years). Just have to take it slow and let the kid develop to a point where his play and not his hype earn him future call ups to the USMNT roster.
Nothing is a sure thing, but hopefully Pulisic is the exception.
I found amusing Matt Doyle’s comment that Pulisic isn’t as talented as Freddie Adu was at 17. You just never know how the story will turn out.
I found amusing Matt Doyle’s comment that Pulisic isn’t as talented as Freddie Adu was at
1722. You just never know how the story will turn out.stop with that stupid, xenophobic bullsh*t
He should have been with the U23s. Setting a much needed example for them that may have prevented their embarrassing behavior. I don’t care that they lost because Columbia was better but their behavior was shameful. Pulisic, a kid who insists on the American pronunciation of his name, was never going to play for anyone but the USA. But leave it to our European douchebag coach to tee up any faux victory he can manufacture to mask his incompetence
he wouldnt have made a difference and is ready for the level he played at yesterday. Im sure Yedlin (and Brooks if he was healthy) would have greatly benefited the u23s as well
I believe he wouldn’t have been released for U23’s because its not mandatory but Dortmund had to if it was full national call up.
Not trying to be cynical, but what about our previous prospects who have become cap-tied Gedeon Zelalem and Julian Green???
They were both injured this break. They were both supposed to be with the U-23s. They are still young and I think increasing their physical strength will do them wonders. Pulisic looks much more comfortable in his skin and is strong.
Zelalem didn’t go to the U-23 camp because he was injured. Not sure what happened to Green. I was really surprised he didn’t see the field in either Olympic qualifying game, especially when we needed an offensive spark.
heard green was out due to sickness.
they’re In development, we must believe
Still lots of time on those guys, you can’t possibly think a few blog posts on a US blog is why Green can’t break through at Bayern Munich, he certainly has more pressure at that club than from any US media outlet.
What is wrong with people? First, Anyone 20 or under is still very much a prospect. It’s not like Green and Zalelam are washed up. Second, the word prospect, by definition, implies uncertainty. Some players just don’t continue to progress, others get injured, while others loose motivation. The problem is us fans, who overhype kids playing at academies. These academies literally have hundreds of players, most of whom make their way to lower tier leagues as pros.
THANK YOU!!!
Zalelam just turned 19, Green will be 21 in a few months.
Still youngsters with a few more years to develop and earn their way to more competitive teams to better their caliber of play. Really no different than many other prospects, including Pulisic, who are fighting to work their way up the depth charts for their respective club and national teams.
It is by its nature a throughput exercise. You develop a bunch of players, x% stick. You don’t quit trying prospects just because some flame out or get big heads or were overrated. Green is a cautionary tale (as was Adu before him), but he’s not done yet and the caution is more “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” than “don’t get excited about new players.” After all, we could just as easily point to people like Landon or Beasley who came in fast and young and didn’t slow down for years.
I get it’s a little silly to cap a 17 year old to win a race with Croatia. I get in a more measured approach and/or approach more predicated on getting the U-23s to Brazil he’s with the U-23s. But as with some of the people last cycle, I don’t know if “if you join us we’ll ship you with the U-23s instead of the MNT” would have been the right carrot. Having secured his in-demand services we now see if he sticks. The important thing from the US perspective is to work on maximizing the % that stick.
FWIW if we don’t get him getting cute then it’s the whole bunch of Subotic and Rossi recriminations, how could you lose him, etc. Interestingly, if you look at their careers now, you might wonder if they made the right decisions. Immediately after, little different.
“He’s a young kid, so (the media shouldn’t) overblow him up. Just let him do what he does …” OG Cameron
I wish people would just forget about these kids and let them develop at a normal pace without the idiotic expectations that come from the insecure fans looking for the American Messi.
I think this happens in just about every major sport in every country where there is a free press. You are expecting people to not act like people. There are always some who get carried away with hope and expectations. The key is the mental makeup of the young prospect. Some let it go to their heads; some can’t handle the pressure, a few don’t let it affect them. Early indications on Pulisic are positive, but only time will tell.