Christian Pulisic, fulfilling the destiny of yesterday’s American wonder-kids

Matthew Santangelo
Aug 22, 2017 · 6 min read
Photo credit: David Zalubowski/AP

As a sixth grader in 2004, many of my afternoons were spent procrastinating on homework and watching MTV’s TRL (Total Request Live), a show dedicated to counting down the top 10 music videos in the country. During most of my teenage years, if you could believe it, this was one of television’s most popular shows, recorded live in the network’s studio in Times Square, New York five days a week. Music videos aired regularly, with the occasional pop-culture bit or sports segment mixed in to keep their diverse audience honest, engaged, and in-touch with their inner kid culture. Over time, MTV has prioritized silly, manufactured teenage reality series’ and cringeworthy comedy shows over music in an attempt to cater to a wider range of demographics. Often times, I find myself reflecting upon those years to see which artists and bands survived the airwaves and the popular network’s mainstream evolution. Although little, if anything at all, has left an impression on me twelve years later, vividly, there is one interview from the hit show that, to this day, still occupies a small space in my memory for the impact many, like myself, hoped it would have on the ‘Beautiful Game’ in the United States for years to come.

In 2014, baby-faced attacking midfielder Freddy Adu kicked about on the popular daytime show, dazzling the young crowd with his footwork and flair. The Ghanaian American, who’s mother once turned down a $750,000 offer from Serie A giants Inter as an eleven year old, rose to fame in America when he became the youngest athlete (aged 14) ever to sign a professional contract in the United States after DC United drafted him in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft. By 15, Adu had signed endorsement deals with Pepsi, Nike and EA Sports, and even had his named dropped in a hit Jay-Z rap song. Donned ‘the next Pele’ by members of soccer media, early lofty expectations and massive hype were met by stagnant growth as Adu failed to blossom into the star U.S. soccer desired in order to enhance the game in America. Since leaving DC United in 2006, the journeyman’s been globetrotting the world, playing for thirteen clubs; with no signs of settling down any time soon. Time has passed, and although Adu’s fall from grace over the years hadn’t been all that hard to take for U.S. fans, its set the country back in their search for a star to springboard a nation hungry for World Cup glory.

Since Adu, names like Jozy Altidore and Juan Agudelo have burst onto the scene in America, taking Major League Soccer and the USMNT by storm with sudden flashes of brilliance. Early, Altidore struggled to thrive in Europe with Villarreal, Hull City and Sunderland, but has since found comfort, confidence and consistency in North America with Toronto FC as one of MLS’ top hitmen. A mainstay in the National Team picture, Altidore’s become a pillar for the ‘Stars and Stripes,’ unlike Agudelo who kicked on seven years ago as a teenager with the New York Red Bulls, but is now flirting with obscurity as others continue to pass him by.

For years, the U.S. soccer community has called to a higher-power in the heavens, hoping prayers for the deliverance of a national superstar would be answered — to no avail. Though many names have come and gone, and only the strongest of youth products have survived, the United States of America have finally found themselves a national treasure worth bragging about in the form of 18-year old Christian Pulisic.

Photo: SI.com

Born and raised in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Pulisic’s rapid ascent to superstardom in Germany with Borussia Dortmund has been nothing short of spectacular.

Since making his Bundesliga debut in a 2–0 win over FC Ingolstadt on January 30, 2016, the teenager already has to his credit 57 first-team appearances with the German powerhouse. A mesmeric dribbler and unselfish playmaker, Pulisic’s exploits have English football’s top clubs on notice, including Liverpool and Manchester United. Yet, amidst all the craze surrounding the Die Schwarzgelben spark-plug for club, there is a certain level of responsibility, honor, sacrifice and pride that comes with wearing your nation’s crest. It takes precedence over any individual achievements at the club level, and, when worn, delivers instant gratification impossible to be emulate.

Back home in the States, everyone continues to rave about Pulisic who, thankfully, chose to represent his home nation instead of Croatia — the homeland of his grandfather, Mate.

Christian Pulisic bagged both goals for the USMNT in their crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match victory over Trinidad and Tobago on June 8, 2017. Photo: USA Today Sports

Since throwing on the red, white and blue of the U.S. Men’s National Team, Pulisic’s breathed new life into a nation on the brink of reaching new heights. Former Coach Jürgen Klinsmann may be credited with providing the Pennsylvania native his breakthrough onto the international scene, but it’s under current boss Bruce Arena where Pulisic’s become a national hero.

The former LA Galaxy coach, who returned to the National Team post last November after replacing Klinsmann, has treaded water, steadying the ship back into World Cup qualification contention — and Pulisic’s been at the heart of it (4 goals, 4 assists in five competitive matches).

Though only 18, Arena’s sung his praises early and often, calling Pulisic “a natural for the game.” Arena will still lean on the calming presence of veterans Clint Dempsey, Altidore, Michael Bradley, and goalkeeper Tim Howard heading into the stretch run to qualify for Russia, however, he isn’t afraid to hand young Christian that same amount of responsibility; and there’s an abundance that comes along with wearing the number 10 shirt.

The Number 10 isn’t just a number in soccer, but a badge of honour granting its owner the utmost freedom to be expressive, lead by example and carry the bulk of creative duties. Pulisic’s ingenious playmaking prowess is unrivaled amongst his American contemporaries, and it’s because he’s grown up in a European environment where instinctual passing, anticipation of his next move, and fearless decision-making are quintessential to thriving on the brightest stages — like the UEFA Champions League for instance. Arena’s lamented these very attributes in Pulisic’s arsenal, having said “he sees the game very well, and has good instincts on getting in good spots. His running off ball is exceptional. As he gets a little bit better and a little bit more experience, I think his ability to be a playmaker or a better passer of the ball in the last half of the field will improve. He’s certainly an exceptional talent.” (Source: ESPNFC.com)

Christian Pulisic may finally justify the hype of those who failed or struggled before him in the U.S. His formal years under the German school of football, where he needed to be molded and tested before being thrusted into the fire unfinished, forced him to improvise and learn on the fly how to become the complete playmaker his country needs.

“One Nation, One Team,” more than just words for the U.S. Men’s National Team. The hunt for a World Cup birth next summer in Russia will require a collective effort of sacrifice, but make no mistake about it: Pulisic’s creative spirit will flow through the veins of every American yearning for the youngster to fulfill the destiny of yesterday’s wonder-kids, and inspire the next generation of talent here in the United States.

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    Senior Editor, Social Manager @ItalianFD. Senior Writer @thesefootytimes. Co-founder @ACMilanBros. Writer @GentlemanUltra & more. Featured @guardian, @ASRomaEN.

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