MN: Amorim’s game-changer – Pulisic already back to being ‘indispensable’ for Milan
On the eve of Lazio vs. Milan, Ruben Amorim was almost prophetic when he spoke about Christian Pulisic. The signs came from the field.
As MilanNews recall, the coach acknowledged the importance of Pulisic, later emphasising that he focuses on form and performances, not names. He admitted with a smile that he’s pleased the No.11 was upset about not having played yet, and that’s exactly what he wants to see in his players.
He said in his press conference: “You’ll see him tomorrow [Saturday], I don’t know if from the start or during the game. I think he’ll play a few minutes. I really like him as a player. He’s upset because he’s had zero minutes so far, and I like that in my players.
“Don’t forget that he had an injury in the summer, and then in the first training session he had a knock and stopped. I won’t remove anyone who’s doing well just to put a ‘name’: this is my way of managing the group, and I will die with these principles. Pulisic is very important to me.
“After the international break, there are eight weeks with three games a week: everyone will be tired from all the playing time. Pulisic is important and will play a lot of games. But you have to understand the context and my history to understand why I make certain choices. But you’ll see Pulisic starting this weekend.”
A response from Puli
Pulisic made his entrance during the game. As a right-sided attacking midfielder, he disrupted Lazio’s entire defence by moving around smartly. The home side were comfortable playing man-to-man in the first half due to Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s static nature, but their plan fell apart.
Just look at Moreira’s first goal: he starts the move by receiving the ball wide, sets Samuel Chukwueze free with a backheel, runs in alongside Rabiot, receives it completely free, and crosses into the middle for the Belgian to volley his left foot.
It’s clear that this is the job Amorim demands of his attacking midfielders: capable of linking the play, adept at recognising the right spaces to run into, and effective in the final 30 metres. And thank goodness, some might say.
Who wouldn’t want players like that? Milan has them. Now it will be important to understand the American’s condition and how much of what he saw on Saturday is the result of the overall match situation. Yet, it’s fair to expect to see him on the pitch practically every game if the overall level is this high.
Last season Pulisic also started out stellar, then gradually faded due to poor physical condition, poor coaching choices, and a general situation that under-utilised his great attacking intelligence.
In a team that aims to dominate possession and play with a high centre of gravity, having such a profile is a plus. Amorim even hinted that he could also play as a false nine in demanding situations.
The three games without playing time have put a significant strain on Pulisic, who will be crucial to Amorim’s attacking plans. Against Benfica on Wednesday, he must replicate the performance at the Olimpico in terms of intensity and technical polish, perhaps from minute one.
