Was there any doubt?
Christian Pulisic wasted little time to start the Bundesliga campaign, providing a memorable performance highlighted by a goal and an assist. The U.S. Men’s National Team star was far and away Borussia Dortmund’s best player en route to a 3-0 win over Wolfsburg, earning Pulisic honors as SBI Americans Abroad Player of the Week.
Following a summer period headlined, and still headlined, by fellow young winger Ousmane Dembele, Pulisic stepped up almost instantly to score Dortmund’s first goal of the season. Pulisic generated his own space in the 22nd minute before firing a shot to the far corner to open the scoring.
He then provided another for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, assisting the star forward for a 60th minute finish that put the game out of reach.
Pulisic’s performance eased plenty of doubt for plenty of Dortmund fans while also offering a glimpse into just how far the winger has come in a years time. In addition, it earned Pulisic the nod over Haji Wright and Geoff Cameron for Americans Abroad Player of the Week honors.
What did you think of Pulisic’s performance? Which American stood out to you this weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
I’m sure there will be plenty more of these for CP22. On the goal it looked like he didn’t even have an opening, but he found one anyway and then made a perfect shot. Maybe he should be the focal point of any USMNT attack, not Wood or Altidore. I think he’s already better than Bobby Wood and maybe Jozy’s equal, except for hold up play.
He is just on such a different level than any other US player. It shouldn’t be lost, however, that he needs his teammates on the national team also to improve their games to benefit his skills. If on his goal Piszczek doesn’t continue his run the slot for the shot doesn’t open. I can think of a couple US players that would make that run, but several that would just stop and hang out and watch to see what CP did.
Not USMNT related, but how has no big team picked up Aubameyang he has 84 goals in his last 98 matches for Dortmund
Auba might lose it in a year or two so he’s probably not worth the amount Dortmund want for him. His past actions might also be playing a role.
If I remember right the last time Aubameyang’s contract was extended BvB wrote in a major buy-out clause (100M euro’s) which have kept a number of clubs away from seeking his services. There are only a handful of clubs who’ll spend that kind of money….Barca, Madrid, Bayern, Chelsea, Man U, Man City, & PSG…and apparently none have been willing to pony up the $.
Looking forward to watching Pulisic continue to grow/develop at BvB this season. He’s in a prime position to get significant minutes with a very good club, with a manager who has faith in him. If he stays on this path he’ll be a major focal point for the USMNT for years to come. As we get more and more of our quality young players integrated into the USMNT (Hyndmann, McKennie, Wright, Perez, Gooch, etc….) the better I think he’ll do at the international level. The 2022 era is looking very promising.
Go 4-2-3-1.
The thing is Altidore does not like playing a lone striker role with the USMNT.
CP22 can play anywhere but need players who can play quick balls to his feet and anticipate his runs