The 17-year-old American attacker is reportedly being monitored by Jurgen Klopp amid concerns about his playing time at the Westfalenstadion.
Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel has urged Christian Pulisic to wait for his chance at the German club amid speculation linking the 17-year-old US international midfielder with a move to Liverpool.
Pulisic, who hails from Hershey, Pennsylvania, has made 12 total appearances for Dortmund since breaking into the first-team over the second half of last season and became the youngster player in Bundesliga history to reach the two-goal mark back in April when he scored in consecutive games.
The highly-rated attacker has also earned eight senior caps for the USA already and made his first start for the team on Tuesday night when he set up a goal in a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Trinidad and Tobago, having come off the bench four days earlier to record a brace and an assist in a 6-0 thrashing of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Nevertheless, despite being considered one European club football’s top talents, Dortmund’s decision to sign Andre Schurrle, Mario Gotze, Ousmane Dembele and Emre Mor over the summer has since caused concern about Pulisic’s future at the Westfalenstion and prompted speculation that he could be forced to seek out a move elsewhere.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reportedly been keeping close tabs on the promising playmaker after working with him during his final season in charge of the Bundesliga giants, and reports last month claimed that the Reds had lodged an £11 million bid to lure him to Anfield [h/t The Telegraph].
A move ultimately failed to materialise before the transfer deadline, but the likes of the Liverpool Echo have claimed that Klopp will continue to monitor his progress with a view to making another approach for his signature either in the winter or next summer.
However, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s 1-0 loss at RB Leipzig, Tuchel insisted that Pulisic remains a vital part of his plans for the future.
“He started preseason late as a 17-year-old,” Tuchel told reporters when asked why Pulisic had yet to feature for the club this season.”This makes being selected for the matchday squad harder.
“We’d like to think that he stays sensible. We’ve already trusted him last season because he deserved it and not so we can pat ourselves on the back. The trust is there.”
Tuchel also praised Pulisic’s recent exploits for the US but stressed that the Bundesliga is a big step up compared to the recent CONCACAF opposition he has faced.
“We are delighted that Christian is that successful for the United States,” the German added. “He’s only 17 years and it’s a huge, huge achievement and a confirmation of his talent.
“[But] those were games against St. Vincent and Trinidad, and if you play against Trinidad it’s not like you have the right to play Bayern in the Super Cup. And he’s aware of it. It’s difficult enough to cope with all the praise and distraction and to remain open for the normal processes.”
In the meantime, Pulisic admitted earlier this week that he had heard about the speculation linking with the likes of Liverpool but insists he remains focused on trying to break back into Dortmund’s starting XI.
“I hear about it. I have social media,” he said in an interview with ESPN FC. “Obviously I’m not completely closed to the world. But I don’t let it affect me or how I’m playing at the time. The whole time throughout, I was just focused on training every day.
“But I’m really excited to be with Dortmund. It’s a huge club with a lot of good players, so I’m just fighting for my position in the team when I’m there. And when I come here, I’m fighting for my position here. That’s kind of how I look at it.”
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