USMNT’s Klinsmann on Pulisic: “His potential is limitless”

Christian Pulisic is the next great hope of American soccer.

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The 18-year-old attacker is flourishing at Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga and UEFA Champions League and ahead of the USA’s crunch 2018 World Cup qualifier against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio, this Friday, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has been heaping praise on the Pennsylvanian native.

Speaking to FIFA.com about the upcoming game against Mexico to kick off the final round of World Cup qualifying in the CONCACAF region, know as the Hexagonal, Klinsmann is delighted with Pulisic’s rapid rise to stardom over the past 6-12 months.

“This player’s potential is limitless,” Klinsmann said. “I’ve always said, you need to write your own story and he’s doing it right now. I think it’s rare in America for a player to be so developed at such an early age, but in Europe if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. He’s taken things in his own hands. He’s the piece of the puzzle we were hoping for this year and he’s a great example to other young players about how to go for it – to play at the highest level and prove yourself.”

Pulisic is enjoying a breakout first full season as part of Dortmund’s first team as he’s become a regular in Thomas Tuchel’s starting lineup for the German giants. He’s scored twice in 12 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund this season and has three goals in nine appearances for the USMNT already, plus plenty of assists for both with his clever third-mad runs and deft touches in and around the box a joy to watch.

After leaving Hershey, PA, at the age of 16 to join Dortmund’s academy, he has followed his dreams and so far it is working out for the attacking midfielder who can operate on either wing or centrally. His soccer IQ is, as Klinsmann said, limitless, and he has so far overcome every single hurdle lying in his way with ease.

Being the star against Mexico in a grudge match with World Cup qualification on the line is the next step for Pulisic. Given his previous resume, the chances are good he’ll rip El Tri apart in Ohio if, as expected, he starts in one of the wide attacking positions.

Simply put: this kid is special.

Klinsmann knows it. We all know it. And right now, Pulisic is just getting on with it.

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