The US’s time in Qatar is over after a 3-1 loss against the Dutch on Saturday. It was an evening which showcased the potential of Gregg Berhalter’s men, but also highlighted the areas where they will need to improve if they hope to be a favourite in just under four years.
Certainly, one problem they will need to address is the lack of fire-power in attack. Pulisic himself had an amazing chance to give the Americans the lead in their last 16 tie. But his attempt was quite comfortably saved.
Pulisic the superstar of the USMNT’s World Cup run
Nevertheless, Pulisic is one player who can be proud of his showing in Qatar. He scored one and contributed two assists during their four games. And he came closest to scoring a brilliant winner against England.
His performances have not gone unnoticed back in England. Reports from the Daily Mail claimed that Arsenal want the £35 million-rated attacking midfielder heading into the final 18 months of his contract at Stamford Bridge.
Pulisic has not had an easy time at Chelsea. But he has shone for the US over the last few weeks. And CBS Sports have suggested that he was the standout performer for his nation.
“That golden chance he missed minutes in will haunt him. That could have changed the game completely,” they wrote.
“But to his credit, he kept fighting, won some dangerous free kicks and ended up getting an assist. He was distraught at full time, obviously, but you can tell that this is just going to fuel him. Clearly he was a superstar for this side, and lived up to the lofts expectations on his shoulders.”
For Arsenal, the dilemma may well centre over whether he can take that form for his country to the club stage.
If he is able to kick on from here, he could be a bargain at around £35 million. And he would surely be a smart addition for an Arsenal side which is already flying.
But his form in the Premier League suggests that it would still be a risk to make a move, especially after Jesus’s injury, Pulisic is the one who can fill his boots.
