Pulisic: Season of Consecration or Statistical Mirage?
Christian Pulisic, captain of the US national team, has recently suffered a muscle injury, which has generated various reactions. Despite concerns about his physical condition, just seven months before the World Cup, an analysis of his statistics suggests a promising outlook for the AC Milan player. According to FBref data, Pulisic leads in average goals and assists (excluding penalties) per 90 minutes played, surpassing figures like Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé. This performance positions him as the most productive attacker in the top five European leagues, considering those players with at least a third of their team’s playing minutes.If Pulisic manages to recover from his injury and maintain his level, he could be on track for the best season of his career, just before the United States hosts the 2026 World Cup.Pulisic is one of the best offensive players in the world.
Mauricio Pochettino, former USMNT coach
Is Pulisic’s Pace Sustainable?
While Pulisic’s current statistics are impressive, it is important to analyze whether this performance is sustainable in the long term. Despite his outstanding averages, Pulisic still does not match the total numbers of players like Mbappé, Haaland, or Kane in terms of goals and assists. Injuries have limited his playing time, with only 421 minutes played in Serie A. A factor to consider is the efficiency in converting opportunities. Pulisic is scoring goals at a higher rate than expected, which could decrease as the season progresses. However, his ability to create goal-scoring opportunities and his improvement in the game suggest constant growth.A Year of Consecration for Pulisic
Despite potential fluctuations in his numbers, Pulisic’s current performance could be the best of his career. His goals and assists statistics per 90 minutes are among the highest of his career. If he manages to stay fit, he could reach a truly elite level of production.
A key aspect for Pulisic’s success is his ability to avoid injuries. Since arriving in Italy, he has suffered fewer physical problems compared to his time in the Premier League. His adaptation to the Italian game and his intelligence on the field could be determining factors. The American has improved his shooting ability and the quality of his finishing. His expected assists are higher than ever, and he creates an average of three clear goal-scoring opportunities per game, the highest figure of his career. In addition, he is showing a high level in progressive passes and dribbles, indicating an evolution in his game. Although he has only started five matches, Pulisic’s performance this season is promising. His ability to conserve energy in defense and his constant presence in the rival area make him a key player for AC Milan. If he manages to maintain this level, Pulisic could be facing a season of consecration, establishing himself as a star of world football.
