It's been a rough year for Pulisic. To reiterate some troubling and oft-quoted stats: he has not scored since December 2025. He has just one assist in the last five months. Manager Max Allegri admitted it had been a rough time for the American:
"He's a very sensitive guy; the fact that he doesn't score affects him more. He's a player who gets into tackles and struggles more; he suffers more from this. I have to try to give the team balance, playing without a true center forward, he struggles more," Allegri said earlier this week.
That's a fair assessment from the manager. Pulisic isn't necessarily playingbadly, but he does look frustrated. The chances aren't coming all that often. And when they come, the American is wayward, anxious, a little too desperate to score. Pulisic needs a goal, and he's playing like it - much to his detriment. There are tactical reasons here. Milan playing without a recognized striker does him no favors. Pulisic is a top-tier playmaker, and having a No.9 to work with would certainly give him more opportunities. Playing as a striker of sorts, alongside the mercurial Rafa Leao, is an adjustment.
But no tactical change seems imminent. And so we are left with a player who badly needs a goal, trying and trying again to make something happen. There's a heroic element to this. Milan have slowed down after a hot start. Champions League qualification is edging nearer, though. And even if they have won just two of their last five, Pulisic and co. could come a lot closer to wrapping up a European spot with a win over Sassuolo this week. Pulisic getting on the scoresheet would be a massive boost in that effort.