Landon Donovan sat down on a podcast and implored Christian Pulisic to use this World Cup as a way to come back better. But the truth is, Pulisic is broken, and his time as the USMNT poster child is past its expiration date.
9 years ago on a rain-soaked field in Couva, the USMNT suffered maybe its most embarrassing loss in modern soccer history. Led by Bruce Arena, the USMNT laid an egg, and Trinidad and Tobago prevented them from stunningly making the World Cup. A young Christian Pulisic sat on the field with tears streaming down his face.
Clint Dempsey retired from international football, and Bruce Arena left the national team. And it was Christian Pulisic's time to shine.
Unfortunately for Pulisic, his shine never got as bright as it should have.
Christian Pulisic's injury histor prevented his ascension into superstar status
Make no mistake about it, Christian Pulisic is an extremely talented soccer player. Maybe the most naturally gifted athlete the US soccer program has ever seen. Look at his 11-goal, 11-assist breakthrough with Milan. But the injuries derailed his momentum at the worst possible times.
Since 2018, Pulisic has missed at least 1 game through injury or illness. He just suffered a broken leg in the loss to Belgium, and now the questions about his future are growing louder. Donovan believes this is just who Pulisic is.
“Like, when the games are easy, and it’s a home qualifier, and it’s Jamaica, yes. But in the big moments and the big games, he just hasn’t. … I’m just saying it factually. He is who he is at this point.”
And if that is who he is, then his time for the USA needs to be over. He had scored zero club goals since December 28th of last year. He has missed 71 games over 9 years with the USA, and at 27, he has plenty of time to add to it.
This was supposed to be a Golden Generation of players that carried the USA further than they have ever been at a home World Cup. And when they needed him the most, Pulisic no showed.
Donovan offered a glimpse of hope for Pulisic, saying that he, too, felt the shame of a bad World Cup performance, and it shaped him into a better player and person. But he warned that those "around" the superstar make it difficult for Pulisic to turn it around, and that Pulisic will have to change.
But at nearly 28, is there time enough for him to change? And even if he does, do you want him to lead the next generation when he has already failed to lead this one?
Much like it began that night in Couva, Christian Pulisic's time as the leader of the USMNT went out with a whimper. Once, he offered his leadership qualities, but he can no longer do that.
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