17-year-old Christian Pulisic is ready to be a USMNT starter

You’ve probably heard a little bit about Christian Pulisic, the 17-year-old American who’s getting regular playing time for Borussia Dortmund. He’s scored his first Bundesliga goal, and Grant Wahl is reporting that he’s in contention to start for the USMNT at Copa America.

“One U.S. Soccer source says that not only does he expect Pulisic to be part of the U.S. Copa America squad,” writes Wahl, “but he also would not be shocked at all if Pulisic is in the starting lineup.”

And for American fans who have been burned over and over again by prospects, excitement quickly turns to concern. Isn’t it too much, too soon? Don’t we risk Pulisic burning out from the hype train getting out of control?

It’s certainly possible that Pulisic’s career ends up mirroring Freddy Adu’s, Julian Green’s or worse. But if it does, it won’t be because he got some USMNT starts at 17. Because by starting regular for Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic has already reached a level of soccer and faced a level of pressure that only a small handful of American men have ever had to deal with. If he’s not ready, no one is.

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