It looks like Christian Pulisic is quickly winning over just about everyone at AC Milan.
Milan’s Rafael Leão said that Pulisic’s summer transfer from Chelsea has been a big plus for the team, and that the U.S. men’s national team star has impressed so far.
“I really like him,” Leão told ESPN in an interview published on Tuesday. “I like players that are not afraid to get the ball and go one against one, one against two, one against three. He’s fast. He can shoot with the left foot, with the right foot. I’m really enjoying it.”
Pulisic has hit the ground running, providing two assists in the early minutes of a preseason rout of lower-division side FC Lumezzane last week. On Sunday, in front of a far larger crowd at the Rose Bowl, Pulisic got another assist as Milan fell 3-2 to Real Madrid in a Soccer Champions Tour friendly.
¡El Milán pega primero! Tomori aprovecha el tiro de esquina y adelanta al equipo italiano 🔴⚫️. pic.twitter.com/gPVWJuBbSI
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) July 24, 2023
Leão was by far Milan’s most effective attacking player in 2022-23, leading the team in goals (15) and assists (10). Olivier Giroud’s 13 goals represented the only other Rossoneri player to hit double digits in either category.
That appeared to be on Leão’s mind, as the Portugal attacker said that Pulisic will both make the attack better, and add competition for places on a team that finished a disappointing fourth in Serie A last season.
“I feel good because [adding Pulisic] pushes me as well to do more,” said Leão. “Imagine, maybe the coach [Stefano Pioli] can put Pulisic in my position. But in my head, he has quality to help the team, to make the difference, like me. It’s important to have similar players, high level, high quality players…this will help us get trophies.”
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