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After two consecutive disappointing Serie A campaigns, things are looking up for AC Milan, as the club remains unbeaten through seven matches following Sunday's 3–2 victory against Atalanta.
Yet, while the club appears headed for a stronger finish this season compared to last year's fifth-place letdown or the prior season's eighth-place result, not everything has gone smoothly for the Americans in the squad—particularly Christian Pulisic. The attacker has managed just one goal and one assist across four appearances after being left on the bench by new manager Ruben Amorim for the team's opening three fixtures following a summer injury.
Against Atalanta, Pulisic started and featured for 75 minutes but showed little in the way of attacking threat, failing to complete a single dribble and losing possession four times. By contrast, fellow attacking midfielder Adrien Rabiot stood out by creating four chances and delivering a commanding creative display that included both a goal and an assist.
The outing, in which Pulisic was the only attacking player substituted off, marked the third consecutive Serie A match in which he played more than 69 minutes, and the third straight game across all competitions without a direct goal contribution.
In just 264 Serie A minutes this season, the former standout ranks in the bottom 20% of players in shots attempted, the bottom 62% in xG per 90 minutes, and the bottom 34% in successful crosses per 90 minutes.
USMNT Future in Doubt
Pulisic's struggles at club level come at a time when his future role and significance with the U.S. men's national team is equally uncertain.
The 28-year-old was underwhelming on home turf this summer and also picked up an injury at the 2026 World Cup, further diminishing his tournament experience. Pulisic was also left out of the veteran group when a youth-oriented roster was assembled for the September-October international friendlies.
Across those four friendly victories, Pulisic's standing fell even further, while team spirit appeared to rise as younger talents like Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, Mathis Albert, and Adri Mehmeti made their presence felt. Sebastian Berhalter and Gio Reyna also shone, reducing Pulisic to little more than an afterthought.
When the November Concacaf Nations League arrives, Pochettino will need to decide whether to include Pulisic despite his poor recent form. Should he earn a call-up, Pulisic will need to demonstrate his commitment to the USMNT, given the demanding nature of a two-legged Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal clash against Haiti.
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Yunus Musah's Resurgence
While Pulisic's position at AC Milan and his future with the USMNT remain seemingly uncertain, his USMNT and Milan teammate Yunus Musah is experiencing his most consistent stretch of form in two years under Amorim's guidance.
Musah also logged 75 minutes in the win over Atalanta, and has been a reliable fixture in Milan's midfield alongside Croatian icon Luka Modrić. He completed all but one of his 56 passes, registered one shot, and contributed four defensive actions in a well-balanced performance.
The 23-year-old worked his way back into Pochettino's plans during the recent friendlies and looks set to remain a key part of the team's next chapter, particularly as he continues to enjoy regular minutes at the highest level.
The lingering question, however, is whether Pulisic can rediscover his best form to remain alongside him, through to the 2030 World Cup and potentially beyond.