Against Bolivia on Sunday, the United States men's national team debuted a new captain at a major tournament: Christian Pulisic.
The 25-year-old has taken over the responsibility from Tyler Adams, who was the captain at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It only took three minutes for Pulisic to find the back of the net in Dallas with a curling effort, signaling his readiness to lead the squad.
A New Era of Leadership
Pulisic takes charge of the leadership role at a critical juncture, especially with Adams having dealt with injuries over the last season and a half. His impact was felt not only in scoring but in other crucial aspects of the game. He was vocal with the referees when Bolivia attempted to slow down the match, displaying a commanding presence on the field.
His maturity was further highlighted when he was seen consoling Ricardo Pepi after the young striker missed a chance near the end of the game. This act underscored his understanding of his new role and his ability to support his teammates. Moments like these illustrate Pulisic's growth, which manager Gregg Berhalter acknowledged.
Trace of Development
Pulisic wasn't always this outspoken leader. The game against Bolivia marked his 69th cap for the national team, and his development over these appearances is evident. He assumes responsibility for the team's performance following games, ensuring he leads by example on the pitch.
Coming off a strong season with AC Milan and as a Champions League winner, Pulisic appears to be in the form of his life—right when the USMNT needs him the most. His leadership and performance are crucial as the team heads deeper into the tournament.
The Path Forward
Winning a major tournament like Copa America demands game-changing talents to be at their peak and step up in crucial moments. Pulisic is showing he has what it takes to be that player. While his performance against Bolivia in the initial stages of the tournament is promising, the true test will come against tougher opponents like Panama, Uruguay, and others in the later stages.
Every win builds confidence and chemistry within the squad, and Pulisic's performance serves as an essential building block. The USMNT can effectively play through Pulisic, leveraging his ability to create and convert chances. Despite not being at their absolute best, the team secured victory, which is a positive sign and owes much to their new captain's influence.
Room for Improvement
While the victory is a positive start, the team must fine-tune certain areas of their gameplay. Analyzing game footage and focusing on training between matches will be crucial in addressing any deficiencies. The USMNT has the time and talent to make these adjustments.
Pulisic’s willingness to lead by example and his ability to lift his teammates' performances are critical assets as the team progresses in the tournament. His stepping into the captaincy role and excelling in his responsibilities bodes well for the USMNT. His initial performance has set a solid foundation for the team to build upon as they aspire to make a deep run in Copa America.
If Pulisic continues to play and lead as he did against Bolivia, the USMNT can look forward to a promising campaign. "He's a selfless leader. He goes out and competes, works really hard, and that helps the team. Then you add to the fact that he's highly skilled and can make plays on the offensive end and create chances," Berhalter said. "It's a great combination, and what you see is him supporting his teammates, backing guys, pushing guys. To me, it was an outstanding performance tonight. He got the coach's man of the match, and it was much deserved."