Christian Pulisic continued to live up to his 'Captain America' moniker on Wednesday evening as the USA came away 3-0 victors against Morocco in a friendly. Gregg Berhalter's side will go on to face Uruguay in a friendly before tackling Grenada and El Salvador in the CONCACAF Nations League, with Pulisic set to to take a leading role.
It was not just the American's influence that was evident but the way he displayed it as a long ball from Walker Zimmerman was taken down expertly by Pulisic, who took the ball into his stride after a clever run. The 23-year-old found his way into the box and looked set to shoot before executing a clever turn and passing the ball off to Brenden Aaronson to finish off.
In the second period, the former Borussia Dortmund star was able to draw a penalty from Achraf Hakimi. The US captain handed the ball to Haji Wright to dispatch it past Yassine Bounou.
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Pulisic has shown flashes of his capabilities for Chelsea, but has been unable to assert himself into the team to take on the same responsibility he clearly relishes in his national side. His place in Berhalter's team will be close to unquestioned while he is in a rotation alongside Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Callum Hudson-Odoi and others under Thomas Tuchel.
It's that role that has seen the American linked to transfers away from Stamford Bridge, with Juventus touted as a possible destination but Pulisic has refused to be drawn on rumours for the moment.
"As far as right now, I’m obviously just focused on what I’m doing here [with the USMNT]. And I’m super excited to be here," said Pulisic.
"Of course, I want to get more playing time. I want to be on the field as much as I can and be the sharpest I can be and fit as well. I think I still have a lot of games, but it’s always something that I’m working at and trying to be regular at club level as well to put myself in the best position to be fit when I come here with the national team."
November's World Cup will obviously play a crucial role in any move made by Pulisic, and the winger has still found himself trusted in a number of Chelsea's most important games this season, including finals against Liverpool and in the Champions League knockout stages.
The US star has hinted at a clinical edge but has been unable to deliver as often as he is able to for his international side - though six goals and two assists in 22 appearances is not a record to be sniffed at. This summer remains pivotal in Chelsea's progression and with a number of players in a similar position to Pulisic, there remains an opportunity that can be taken, where the American could see himself rise to a prominent role under Tuchel.
