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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Rossoneri star impressing on the right</li><li>Feels more comfortable on left flank</li><li>Urged to steer clear of central role</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

‘Not built for that’ – Christian Pulisic position debate sparks Landon Donovan comparison as USMNT mull over how to bring the best out of AC Milan forward

Serie A

Torino

AC Milan

The 25-year-old forward has enjoyed much of his success as a senior professional when operating on the flanks – with that role being filled for club and country. Pulisic has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-move-another-position-change-usmnt-star-ac-milan-consider-american-familiar-role/blt0578bb4dd64374ea" target="_blank">spent much of the 2023-24 campaign on the right at AC Milan</a>, and has rewarded the faith of those at San Siro with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-officially-better-than-ever-usmnt-star-posts-personal-best-another-goal-ac-milan/blt9d882bbc80bfbe73" target="_blank">a personal-best return of 13 goals</a>.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Quizzed on how the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/christian-pulisic-biggest-job-usmnt-ac-milan-star-become-world-cup-leader/blt7cb7d5f169d7426f" target="_blank">United States can bring the best out of Pulisic</a> as they look to build on a Nations League triumph at the 2024 Copa America, former USMNT star Alexi Lalas has told his <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/messi-inter-miami-reign-mls-usa-mexico-eye-2031-womens/id884363122?i=1000654244877" target="_blank">State of the Union</a> podcast: “I think Christian Pulisic’s best position is out left – where he plays with the national team, where Gregg Berhalter plays him. I think he enjoys the ability to be on the, to use a hockey phrase, off wing and the ability to cut onto his preferred foot. But, also the ability to tuck his shoulder and go round on the left-hand side. And it’s not like he’s useless with his left foot. The inverted winger situation that has become so prevalent, and has existed for many years when it comes to hockey, is based on the fact you cut in and you are on your strong foot. We don’t associate Christian Pulisic necessarily with the bangers from the top of the box cutting in, I just see him feeling more comfortable on that left-hand side.”

WHAT LALAS SAID

Lalas added on the U.S. facing a similar dilemma with all-time great Donovan in the past, with there no need to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/position-change-christian-pulisic-ac-milan-urged-move-usmnt-star-all-attacking-weapons-one-starting-xi/blt739449c6d7b9b723" target="_blank">force such talents into a position that does not suit them</a>: “In a year where we are saying how well he [Pulisic] has played and how consistent it has been, it has not necessarily been in his best position. I don’t like him in the middle. I think it gets too cluttered up and I don’t think that is the best of Christian Pulisic. It’s not that he can’t do it, it’s not that he can’t have some success at times doing it, I just don’t think he is built for that. He is built for space. In the same way as Landon Donovan – obviously they utilise it differently – but the same way at times when Landon Donovan went in the middle, I did not like that. When there are a lot of players and there is a lot of confusion going on, I think they don’t have the ability to function at the best of their abilities when they are inside. We will see ultimately what happens. I don’t think he is going anywhere but that left-hand side when it comes to Christian Pulisic going forward with the national team – I think he has got that locked down. Not that there can’t be some experimentation at some point in the future, but if everybody is healthy and everybody is there, then it’s Christian Pulisic on the left-hand side and I think that gives us the best chance to see the best version of Christian Pulisic.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Pulisic is a talismanic presence for the USMNT and is expected to lead by example – with the captain’s armband often being passed in his direction. He has <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/what-christian-pulisic-best-position-chelsea-usmnt-favourite-role/blt95a694f29339cc7e" target="_blank">previously stated that he feels most comfortable operating on the left</a>, with the presence of Rafael Leao forcing him to switch wings at Milan.

WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC?

‘Not built for that’ – Christian Pulisic position debate sparks Landon Donovan comparison as USMNT mull over how to bring the best out of AC Milan forward | Goal.com US

Christian Pulisic has been likened to Landon Donovan in a best position debate, with the USMNT told he is “not built” for a central playmaking post.

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