Christian Pulisic sparkled for the USMNT on Friday and in doing so looked every inch the player Chelsea bought in 2019.
The 24-year-old scored twice in a fiery CONCACAF Nations League defeat of Mexico in Las Vegas, helping his side win 3-0 with two goals in a game that also saw four red cards. Pulisic was dangerous from the off, firing over after rounding Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa after falling victim to an unfortunate bobble.
No such mistake was made on the 37th minute, though, when Pulisic showed predatory forward instincts to jump on a rebound off Jorge Sanchez to coolly slot home past Ochoa on the turn. Pulisic made the most of his celebration too, a visibly animated player looking for the first time in a while like he was enjoying the game.
After doubling the USA's advantage after half-time with a tap-in from Timothy Weah's cross, Pulisic nearly caught out Ochoa with a header after making a darting run through the middle. The US would put the game beyond doubt and seal their date with Canada in the Nations League final at Allegiant Stadium on Monday through Ricardo Pepi.
A fired-up Pulisic took to social media platform Instagram after the game to post pictures of him celebrating during the match with the cold caption 'Tres a cero. Bring on the final'. Short but sweet from Pulisic who, unsurprisingly, prompted the familiar debate around his inability to produce for Chelsea rather than only for his country.
Playing time is a big factor, with Pulisic featuring for 89 minutes in the Mexico game while for Chelsea he was only afforded 118 in his club's final nine matches of the season. Pulisic looks set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Premier League sides Manchester United and Newcastle United reportedly approached by the player's agents about a move.
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Serie A is a possibility, too, with Juventus, Napoli and AC Milan all said to be keen on a move for the Borussia Dortmund ace.
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