Christian Pulisic could be set for a new role as AC Milan boss, Paulo Fonseca, revealed that he has been experimenting with the USMNT star.
In the lead-up to AC Milan’s first Serie A match of the season against Torino, Fonseca has been tinkering with his lineup, testing different combinations and tactical setups. One of the most notable experiments has involved Pulisic being deployed as an attacking midfielder, a role that he has not traditionally occupied since his move to Italy last season.
During a pre-match press conference, Fonseca was asked whether Pulisic and Portuguese star Rafael Leao could be joined by right winger Samuel Chukwueze in a 4-2-3-1 formation, lining up behind Alvaro Morata against Torino. Fonseca’s response was measured, indicating that while he has considered this tactical arrangement, he is still undecided about whether Pulisic will start in that position.
“I thought and tried it, but I don’t know if they’ll play tomorrow,” replied the Portuguese.
“Chukwueze is fit, Pulisic is playing in a role he really likes. (Luka) Jovic’s pre-season was pretty good too. Loftus-Cheek can play as an attacking midfielder; we have many solutions.”
Fonseca acknowledged this depth in his squad, noting that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is also a strong candidate for the attacking midfield position.
“Loftus-Cheek can play as an attacking midfielder; we have many solutions,” Fonseca remarked, emphasizing the variety of options available to him.
While the attacking midfielder role is relatively new for Pulisic at AC Milan, it is not entirely unfamiliar to him. During the latter stages of the 2023-24 season, former Milan coach Stefano Pioli experimented with Pulisic in a similar position. Although these appearances were limited, they provided a glimpse of Pulisic’s potential in a more central role, where his vision, dribbling ability, and knack for finding space could be utilized to unlock opposition defences.
Pulisic’s versatility has always been one of his strengths, and his ability to adapt to different tactical demands could make him a valuable asset for Fonseca this season. However, his preparations for the new season have not been without their challenges. He missed AC Milan’s recent friendly against Monza due to a minor ankle injury, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the Serie A opener. However, reports suggest that the injury is not serious, and Pulisic is expected to be available for selection against Torino as he has already returned to training.
