Christian Pulisic is playing with joy again. It's something that we've seen far too little of over the last few years. He's played with purpose, with anger, with determination, but, for the past several years, we've rarely seen Pulisic play with pure, unadulterated joy at club level.
Through just two games at AC Milan, the smile says it all. It's been two appearances and two goals for Pulisic, who is already starting to show the doubters what he can, and possibly will, be. Just two games into the Serie A season, Pulisic is already looking ready to dominate for one of the world's most historic clubs.
After so many years of false starts at Chelsea, Pulisic is off to the dream start in Milan. He's fit in seamlessly, jumping right into Stefano Pioli's team by making a real difference. This move was a big swing for both player and club. For Pulisic, it was a second - and perhaps final - chance to prove himself with an elite side. For Milan, it was the opportunity to fix a player that was at least somewhat broken, bringing him closer to the player many thought he could be when he arrived at Stamford Bridge all those years ago.
The Pulisic that arrived at San Siro is far different than the one that began at Chelsea. He has more experience and a Champions League winner's medal to his name, but he also has tons of motivation after the Blues effectively gave up on him time and time again. Most importantly, though, after two games, he already has some of his swagger back, and that's good news for Milan and the United States men's national team as he looks to take the leap from good to great over the course of the next few seasons.