Pulisic adjusts to reduced roles at Milan and for the US
Christian Pulisic is facing a reduced role at Milan and a less certain place in the US national team as younger players emerge. The article argues that this shift is a normal challenge for the 28-year-old entering the veteran phase of his career, despite his strong record at the club.
A World Cup lower-leg injury delayed his Milan season, and he made his first league start in mid-September. Against Sassuolo, he helped build Milan’s only goal but had little attacking impact before being replaced by 19-year-old Alpha Cissè, who has scored twice in 242 league minutes; Pulisic has one goal in 190 minutes under coach Ruben Amorim. He has recorded a goal or assist in only four of his last 22 Serie A appearances, though Milan reportedly want to renew his contract and he says he is happy at the club.
- Pulisic is competing with younger players for minutes at Milan.
- Injury delayed the start of his season.
- Milan reportedly hope to renew his contract.
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Christian Pulisic is an American footballer who plays for Italian club AC Milan and is a regular member of the United States national team. The 28-year-old has been an established figure for both club and country. His reduced playing time matters because he plays for one of Europe's biggest clubs and remains important to the US national side.
Pulisic is facing increased competition from younger players at Milan, in part because a World Cup injury set back his start to the season. Since returning to action, his opportunities have become more limited as young talents like 19-year-old winger Alpha Cissè have begun breaking through into the first team. Where he once would have expected regular playing time, he now finds himself competing harder for his place.
This transition is typical for footballers in their late twenties as clubs introduce newer players and reduce the roles of established stars. Milan have nonetheless indicated they want to extend his contract, and Pulisic has said he remains satisfied at the club. The situation illustrates a normal challenge for established players rather than a dramatic crisis.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Pulisic's case rests on recognising both his established track record at Milan and the contexts framing his recent statistics. A serious World Cup injury has required genuine readjustment, and he is only now regaining fitness under a new manager whose tactical system he is still learning. Judging a player's worth entirely on goal contributions across 22 games following such disruption overlooks his broader contributions and the reality that elite players often require time to rediscover their rhythm after significant setbacks.
The case against
The case for accepting Pulisic's reduced role acknowledges that football is ultimately results-driven, and the current performance data presents a clear picture. He has managed only one goal in 190 minutes under the current manager, whilst a teenager has demonstrated superior efficiency in limited opportunities. This is not failure but natural career progression: at 28, competing against emerging talent is the realistic challenge veterans face, and a squad role allows the club to balance proven continuity with developing younger players who may sustain competitiveness long-term.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Christian Pulisic is no longer a focal point for the US or Milan – and that’s OK”.