The Pulisic Paradox: Milan's Leading Scorer, Yet Still Proving Himself

A Shifting Landscape for a Star Performer

Christian Pulisic, AC Milan's top contributor with 12 goals this season, finds himself in a familiar, yet perplexing predicament. Despite his impressive numbers, exceeding even those of Olivier Giroud (who subsequently departed for MLS), Pulisic continually faces new challenges, constantly needing to reassert his value.

His dedication and work ethic draw consistent praise, even earning accolades like "one of the best professionals I worked with" from a former assistant coach. Yet, curiously, he was the first substituted during Milan's Champions League exit against Feyenoord, highlighting a recurring theme of uncertainty surrounding his role.

Past Puzzles and Positional Changes

This isn't the first time Pulisic has encountered such situations. Last October, despite being the designated penalty taker, he was twice overlooked in a loss to Fiorentina, a decision that infuriated then-coach Paulo Fonseca.

The American star, widely considered most effective on the left wing, has seen a revolving door of positions. Initially deployed on the right wing to accommodate Rafael Leão, he then thrived as a No. 10 under Fonseca. However, a midseason coaching change and the arrival of João Félix saw Pulisic shifted back to the right, raising questions about the team's strategic direction.

The No. 10 Dilemma: A Waste of Talent?

Fonseca's former assistant coach, Tiago Leal, offers a compelling perspective: "I think his best position is at No. 10 because he is a player with the ability to operate in tight, congested areas...Technically, he is top level...On the other hand, a player like Rafa [Leão] needs space in which to run to be at his best. But honestly, even if Rafa wasn't there, I'd play Pulisic at No.10, closer to the goal, in the heart of the game."

Leal further laments Pulisic's current deployment: "For me, Pulisic can play on the right... he is humble and he is a great professional... But if you ask me, it's a waste of his talent.”

A Team Player, Perhaps to a Fault?

Pulisic's selfless nature and relentless work rate, both offensively and defensively, stand in stark contrast to the intermittent contributions of players like João Félix and Leão. This raises the question: should Pulisic be more assertive about his preferred position? One unnamed Serie A assistant coach suggests that perhaps a touch of ego wouldn't hurt. "Sometimes, squeaky wheels get the grease," he notes, hinting that Pulisic's accommodating nature might be hindering his chances to truly shine.

An Uncertain Future

While Pulisic's starting position isn't in jeopardy, his role within the team remains a puzzle. With Leão established as the highest-paid player and João Félix seemingly a favored project of the current coach, Pulisic faces the ironic challenge of continually proving himself, even as the team's leading goal contributor. It's a situation that begs the question: where does this leave Christian Pulisic in the long run?