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AC Milan‘s star forward Christian Pulisic has the potential to surpass USMNT legend Landon Donovan, according to former coach Bruce Arena. After a standout debut season with Milan, Pulisic is proving his worth on both the club and international stages, reported by GOAL.
Christian Pulisic took a bold step by leaving Chelsea and moving to AC Milan. This decision has paid off handsomely. In his first season at San Siro, Pulisic delivered career-best performances, registering 15 goals and 11 assists across all competitions. His impact on the field has been significant, making him a key player for the Rossoneri.
Bruce Arena's high praise
Bruce Arena, a former USMNT coach, has high hopes for Pulisic's future. Speaking to CBS Sports’ ‘Kickin’ It’, Arena expressed his belief that Pulisic has the potential to become an even greater player than Landon Donovan, who is widely regarded as one of the best American soccer players of all time. Arena stated, “Christian, I think, is potentially a better player than Landon. He isn’t yet, but potentially he should be. He’s shown it now in Italy.”
Arena elaborated on what Pulisic needs to achieve to surpass Donovan's legacy. “He has put some years together of quality. He’s getting there. No question about that,” Arena said. Consistency and longevity at the top level are crucial for Pulisic to reach and surpass Donovan's status. Donovan's career was marked by consistent performances and significant contributions to the USMNT, and Pulisic is on a similar trajectory.
Pulisic continues to be a vital player for the USMNT. He has earned 66 senior caps and scored 28 goals for his country. His leadership and skill were instrumental in helping the USMNT win the CONCACAF Nations League in 2024. With the Copa America set to kick off in the United States on June 20, Pulisic will aim to lead his team to further success on home soil.
Landon Donovan's legacy in American soccer is monumental. He was a pivotal figure in multiple World Cups and a consistent performer for both the USMNT and his club teams. Donovan's record includes 145 caps and 57 goals for the national team, making him the all-time leading scorer until Clint Dempsey tied his record. Donovan also had a successful club career, mainly with LA Galaxy, where he won several MLS Cups.
Christian Pulisic's path to greatness
For Pulisic to surpass Donovan, he needs to maintain his high level of play and continue making significant contributions to both his club and the national team. His move to AC Milan has already shown his ability to adapt and thrive in different environments. If he continues on this path, Pulisic could redefine what it means to be a soccer legend in the United States.
The upcoming Copa America presents a significant opportunity for Pulisic to showcase his talent on an international stage once again. Performing well in this tournament will not only boost his reputation but also help the USMNT achieve greater heights. Additionally, consistent performances in Serie A and European competitions will further cement his status as a top-tier player.
Christian Pulisic is on the path to potentially becoming the greatest American soccer player of all time. With a productive debut season at AC Milan and continued excellence with the USMNT, he has all the tools to surpass Landon Donovan’s legendary status. The key will be maintaining consistency and achieving success in major tournaments. As Pulisic gears up for the Copa America, all eyes will be on him to see if he can continue his rise and lead the USMNT to glory.
