Christian Pulisic and Luka Modric have rapidly turn into the faces of Milan’s new period, every bringing a singular mix of brilliance and affect to San Siro. Whereas the American ahead continues to dazzle followers with targets, assists, and game-changing moments, Modric—at 40 years outdated—has proven that age is merely a quantity with regards to affect.
But, regardless of his standing as a fan favourite and statistical chief in a number of classes, Pulisic has misplaced a key feat at Milan to Modric. For all his contributions on the pitch, that is one battle he can not win.
Since becoming a member of the Crimson and Blacks in 2023, Pulisic has confirmed himself to be some of the profitable signings lately. His manufacturing has been spectacular, each in Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
In response to Opta, “Pulisic is the primary participant within the final three Serie A seasons to file 25 targets and 15 assists.” In complete, the winger has 26 league targets and 21 assists since arriving in Italy, making him not solely Milan’s most full attacker however one of many best-performing gamers within the Italian high division.
His underlying numbers this season are equally eye-catching. Within the present marketing campaign, the 27-year-old’s numbers underline his red-hot kind. He’s tied with Marcus Thuram as Serie A’s high scorer, netting three targets in 4 matches. His affect goes past the league, as he additionally struck in each Coppa Italia matches in opposition to Bari and Lecce. It’s no marvel he has been touted as a possible Participant of the Season candidate.
The feat he couldn’t win
For all his excellence, Pulisic trails Luka Modric in a single shocking class: shirt gross sales. In response to Gazzetta dello Sport, “Modric’s No.14 has been the best-selling shirt to date this season.” Regardless of the USMNT ace rating third within the Rossoneri’s gross sales chart, simply behind Rafael Leao, it’s the veteran Croat who has taken the crown.
The surge has been staggering. Following the membership’s conflict with Bologna, shirt gross sales elevated by 98% in comparison with the times earlier than the match. Following the Udinese fixture, gross sales elevated by one other 32%. The membership’s third package, which options prominently in these gross sales, has seen a 44% enhance in comparison with the identical interval final season. What’s extra, solely 42% of Modric’s shirts have been bought in Italy—the remaining got here from worldwide followers, underlining his international attain.
Why Pulisic can’t be mad
Whereas some gamers would possibly bristle at dropping such a feat, Pulisic has each purpose to smile. His personal shirt ranks third amongst all Milan gamers, and his on-pitch dominance stays undisputed. Followers at San Siro chant his title with pleasure, and he has firmly cemented himself because the image of Milan’s new attacking id.
As Gazzetta notes, “Outcomes on the pitch matter for the industrial elements as effectively.” Pulisic’s targets, assists, and clutch performances guarantee he stays on the coronary heart of the staff’s rise, even when Modric takes the industrial highlight.
