Christian Pulisic showcased ‘so much speed and explosiveness’ during the USA’s World Cup triumph over Iran, former Netherlands ace Ibrahim Afellay tells NOS of a winger linked with Premier League duo Arsenal and Newcastle United.
With Pulisic struggling at Chelsea, Sergino Dest hardly kicking a ball in anger at AC Milan, and Weston McKennie so often the subject of criticism at Juventus, the USA’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ hardly travelled to Qatar in the greatest of spirits.
But Pulisic’s dramatic first-half winner against Iran on Tuesday night – firing Gregg Berhalter’s side into the round-of-16 – was undeniable proof that class is, indeed, permanent.
“If you see how he attacks, he has so much speed and explosiveness,” hails former Barcelona and Ajax whizzkid Afellay. “(The USA) have a lot of speed in the attack.”
Arsenal or Newcastle United could sign Chelsea’s USA star Christian Pulisic
Pulisic was forced off at half-time, injured while scrambling the only goal of the game past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand. His availability for Saturday’s clash with the Netherlands is likely to be decisive for the USA’s hopes of further progress.
“It will of course make a huge difference if Pulisic does not play. Because you immediately noticed that in the second half (that they are not as effective without him,” Afellay adds.
Still only 24, Pulisic is likely to leave Stamford Bridge in January. The former Borussia Dortmund wonderkid has started just three Premier League games under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter this term.
Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United, ESPN add, have been ‘made aware’ of his availability. And the sight of Pulisic putting his body on the line with the goal at his mercy against Iran would have warmed the cockles of Mikel Arteta, Eddie Howe and Erik ten Hag; three of the most demanding managers around.
“I mean, he just gave his body for his country in that moment,” American legend Alexi Lalas told Fox Sports.
“He wanted it more. He made up incredible amounts of space in a very short period of time to get by the defenders. And just put his body on the line and put that ball in.”
Captain America, indeed.
Pulisic, as things stand, appears to be behind Mykhaylo Mudryk in Arsenal’s January hitlist. Another talismanic performance in a terrific World Cup campaign, however, will do any hopes of a potential winter move across London no harm at all.
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