The U.S. talisman has been on fire in Italy, leading AC Milan in scoring two months into the season
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Pulisic in stellar form with AC MilanNew U.S. coach Pochettino calls him 'fantastic'USMNT, Rossoneri teammate Musah praises himFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Christian Pulisic has been in brilliant form in Serie A with AC Milan this season, and admits that he can't necessarily explain it. Speaking at Friday's U.S. men's national team availability, he said of his recent goalscoring, "I think you have moments in your career where it feels like everything you touch goes in."
The U.S. forward has five goals and two assists in seven domestic appearances for the Rossoneri, while he's also scored an additional strike in the UEFA Champions League, making it eight total goal contributions in nine appearances for the Italian side this season.
"I think he's a fantastic player, one of the best offensive players in the world," new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said at a news conference.
AdvertisementGettyWHAT PULISIC SAID
"It's tough to explain," Pulisic said. "I think you have moments in your career where it feels like everything you touch goes in, and you have other times when it feels like you're trying everything and the ball just won't go in. As an attacking player, we've all gone through it, so just trying to live in that moment right now, when when things seem to be going well, and just continue like this."
Pulisic stressed that he has been striving for confidence and consistency.
"I mean, It's a result of all the work I put in my whole life. So it's shouldn't be a surprise. I know I have this ability – just kind of ride that high, I guess," he said. "I'll be honest, I do the same thing, whether I'm struggling or doing well, not much changes for me. Of course, you're as happy. As you know, we live and die by this game, you feel a little bit happier when you're doing well, and it's tough when you're not, but it's trying to find that balance."
WHAT POCHETTINO AND MUSAH SAID
Pochettino, meanwhile, was full of praise and optimism around working with Pulisic at the national team level.
"I think he's a fantastic player, one of the best offensive players in the world," the Argentine said. "I think that we are a little bit worried that sometimes we need to protect [Pulisic]. We see because he arrived a little bit tired, but that is a thing that I told him before is to build a very good relationship with the club and try to help.
"And when we really need him, he needs to be in form, happy, strong and the quality is there because he has an enormous talent."
Milan and USMNT teammate Yunus Musah also praised Pulisic, who he's watched help carry the attacking workload in Italy so far this campaign.
"It's no surprise," Musah said. "But it's always nice to see him score, helping the team. He's like our best attacking player right now, and I hope he carries on like that… [Milan fans] are loving it because he's scoring so many goals, like in the derby as well. He's scoring so many good goals. He's really flying."
Musah, a midfielder, has featured in five matches for Milan this season, recording one assist.
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR USMNT AND PULISIC?
The USMNT take on Panama Saturday night in an international friendly that will mark Pochettino's debut on the touchline. Following the first match of the window, the U.S. will play Mexico in Guadalajara Tuesday night.