Christian Pulisic is enjoying the breakout year of his young career and that has Jürgen Klinsmann highly optimistic about the teenager’s future for both club and country.
“This player’s potential is limitless. I’ve always said, you need to write your own story and he’s doing it right now,” the U.S. Men’s National Team head coach said in an exclusive interview with FIFA.com ahead of Friday’s World Cup Qualifying match against Mexico. “I think it’s rare in America for a player to be so developed at such an early age, but in Europe if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. He’s taken things in his own hands.”
Pulisic, who made his senior national team debut in March at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio — the site of Friday’s match — would be making his ninth cap for Klinsmann after tallying three goals over his previous appearances. The 18-year-old from Pennsylvania also became the youngest person to score in a World Cup Qualifier for the U.S. in modern history when he helped the Yanks defeat Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 6-0, on Sept. 2.
“He’s the piece of the puzzle we were hoping for this year and he’s a great example to other young players about how to go for it – to play at the highest level and prove yourself,” Klinsmann said.
At Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic has been a revelation this season for manager Thomas Tuchel as he has tallied two goals and five assists in nine matches across all competition.
“It’s huge that he’s playing for Dortmund in the biggest Bundesliga games and starting in the Champions League,” Klinsmann said. “A year ago, who would have thought it? No one.”