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The spotlight is all on Christian Pulisic as the USMNT takes on Mexico
18-year-old Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic only has 9 USMNT caps, but he’ll be expected to deliver on Friday night.
Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
United States vs. Mexico is perhaps the world’s greatest rivalry that is never defined by superstar players. The likes of Clint Dempsey and “Chicharito” Javier Hernandez have entered the match in hot form with pressure on their shoulders, but never before has the spotlight been so focused on one player. like it is on Christian Pulisic in this edition of the match.
The 18-year-old Pulisic has ascended to the frequently doomed position of "Future of U.S. Soccer," though he's more obviously the real deal than everyone who's preceded him. Unlike Freddy Adu or the teenage versions of Landon Donovan and Jozy Altidore, Pulisic is very much ready for his role. "I think Christian is what you call a prodigy," said Tim Howard in October. "I think every now and again, every 10 or 15 years or so, you get one of those. It's hard to explain how he's so talented, why he's so talented, why he's so fearless at such a young age. It's not normal."
Pulisic is already a first team regular for Borussia Dortmund, avoided embarrassing himself against Real Madrid, and is one of the top 10 players for combined goals and assists in the Bundesliga. He's also being asked to make the rounds on the sports talk shows this week, and he's handling the duty with composure.
If you want to learn more about his rapid two-year rise from Under-17 starlet to key figure for club and country, check out Grant Wahl’s profile focusing on his personal development at SI, and Noah Davis’ piece at The Ringer on what Pulisic represents as a part of the U.S. Soccer development system.
Goal of the day
In the news
Chris Smalling has a lower extremity injury, though Manchester United are denying reports that it’s a broken toe that will keep him out for more than a month. (Guardian)
Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris is the MLS Rookie of the Year. (MLS)
Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti picked up a hamstring injury on France duty. (MARCA)
Wales will not wear poppies after FIFA rejected their request, while Scotland and England will, and will accept a fine. (BBC)
Kingsley Coman is out two months with a knee injury. (@FCBayernEN)
Marek Hamsik was already good, but he might be really good now that he’s quit drinking soda. (Football Italia)
Gareth Southgate thinks England players need to be open with their emotions to succeed. (BBC)
You should be reading
Howard Megdal on NASL’s championship game and the league’s struggles. (Vice)
Gerard Farrell on Milan legend Pierino Prati. (In Bed With Maradona)
Jonas Giaever on Chile teetering on the brink of the end of their golden generation. (These Football Times)
What happened on Thursday
What to watch on Friday (click for listings, all times ET)
World Cup qualifying (from noon) -- Highlights are England-Scotland at 2:45 p.m. and two earlier CONCACAF games leading up to USMNT vs. Mexico at 7:45 p.m.
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