When Christian Pulisic first landed in Milan in July 2023, the town was buzzing with curiosity somewhat than unbridled pleasure. AC Milan had simply misplaced Sandro Tonali, their homegrown midfield common, to Newcastle, and followers have been bracing themselves for a step backward. Into that uncertainty walked Pulisic — arriving from Chelsea for a fraction of what Borussia Dortmund had as soon as bought him for, carrying a status scarred by accidents and inconsistency. For some, he was a threat; for others, a quiet hope.
Two years later, that transfer seems much less like a big gamble and extra like a stroke of genius. And now, there’s a key stat that underscores not solely his significance to Milan but additionally how a lot the crew leans on him when it issues most.
From the second he first stepped onto the pitch at San Siro, Pulisic introduced one thing extra than simply his ability. He introduced a way of renewal. His debut aim, a surprising strike towards Bologna in August 2023, was greater than a aim; it was a press release that his profession, very like the Rossoneri’s fortunes, was coming into a brand new chapter.
Followers who had grown weary of failed attacking signings embraced him instantly. He was relentless, pushed, and hungry. In some ways, Pulisic’s journey mirrored that of Milan itself, a proud membership clawing its method again to the highest of European soccer after years within the wilderness.
Quiet management in a loud recreation
Not like a number of the recreation’s greatest personalities, Pulisic will not be a shouter. His management is quiet however unmistakable. He units the tone along with his work ethic, his adaptability, and his reliability.
When Rafael Leao drifted out and in of video games, it was the USMNT star who stored Milan’s assault ticking. When accidents or tactical modifications pressured him to play out of place — on the correct, centrally, at the same time as a makeshift No.10 — he delivered with out criticism.
Teammates have ceaselessly pointed to his professionalism for instance for Milan’s youthful gamers. His coaching habits, restoration self-discipline, and psychological focus have helped form a brand new tradition at Milanello.
The stat that claims all of it
And right here’s the place the numbers are available in — those that actually spotlight his significance. In line with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pulisic finds the web for Milan as soon as each 219 minutes on common, which works out to virtually one aim per three matches.
For a participant who arrived at San Siro with questions surrounding his finish product, this stat has silenced critics. It additionally underscores simply how a lot Milan depends on him, significantly in high-stakes video games. His targets aren’t padding; they’re usually decisive, coming in derby clashes, earlier Champions League fixtures, and tight Serie A battles.
