The United States is co-hosting the biggest FIFA World Cup in history alongside Canada and Mexico, with 48 nations competing across North America this summer. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad enters the tournament with arguably the deepest roster the country has ever assembled, and the expectation is nothing less than the nation’s best-ever World Cup campaign.
At the heart of those ambitions is AC Milan star Christian Pulisic, the most accomplished American player of his generation. Chris Broussard made that case directly during a recent segment on “First Things First,” and delivered a motivational message to Pulisic ahead of the USMNT’s Group D opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles.
Chris Broussard Challenges Christian Pulisic To Cement His Place As The Greatest American Player
Pulisic has carried the weight of American soccer since before most players his age had earned a senior cap. He debuted for the USMNT at 17 in 2016, became the youngest player to captain the team at 20, and built a European club career across Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea, and AC Milan that no American attacker has matched.
His 33 goals in 86 international appearances include the decisive strike against Iran at the 2022 World Cup that sent the U.S. into the round of 16. Broussard argued that experience is precisely why this summer could define Pulisic’s legacy.
“Look, 27 years old, smack dab in the middle of your prime, the best American player on earth in terms of soccer, and on the trajectory to be maybe the best American player, period,” Broussard said. “It’s been a rough year, right? You had injuries, [at] AC Milan, kind of derailed that season. You went in this slump… but you broke out of it just in the nick of time.”
“If you can lead us on a great deep run, we’re not even asking to win it, then maybe at the young age of 27, do you already solidify [as] the best American player ever?” Broussard added. “Christian, I love your name, and I believe in you.”
The rough year Broussard referenced is well-documented. After scoring eight Serie A goals in his first 11 appearances, Pulisic battled recurring fitness issues under manager Massimiliano Allegri.
He went scoreless across his final 19 matches for Milan, and that drought extended to eight consecutive USMNT appearances before he broke through with a goal and an assist in the 3-2 friendly win over Senegal on June 1.
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However, club football and international football are very different. Pulisic has consistently elevated when the stakes demand it, and he won’t be shouldering the burden alone.
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun arrives off a 13-goal Ligue 1 campaign, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie posted nine goals and eight assists, and Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards gives Pochettino a reliable presence at the back.
Pochettino’s tactical pedigree, gained through his experience at Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea, gives this group a coaching advantage that previous American squads didn’t have.
With Paraguay, Australia, and Turkiye ahead in Group D, the U.S. has a navigable path forward, and Pulisic should be able to lead his team through it.