How high is the ceiling for USMNT star Christian Pulisic?

United States midfielder Christian Pulisic was yet again the star of the USA’s thrashing of Panama on Friday night in Orlando. While his antics are still fresh in the mind of the USMNT faithful, let’s take a look at what the wunderkind’s ceiling could be

It’s very easy for many USMNT fans who haven’t been following  Christian Pulisic at Borussia Dortmund much to make the quick and easy comparison to Landon Donovan based on his USMNT exploits alone. However, this does not do Christian Pulisic justice. At just 19 years old, Pulisic has already surpassed Landon Donovan in personal feats at both club and country.

Landon Donovan was a star in MLS early on in his career. Christian Pulisic has emerged as a star in the Bundesliga. Germany’s top flight is arguably the 3rd best professional league in the world. He joined Borussia Dortmund’s first team at just 16 following a blistering start to his tenure at the U-17 level.

Pulisic became the youngest non-German player to score in the Bundesliga. He has also become the youngest player to score for the USMNT in the modern era. All signs point to Pulisic being a star for club and country for years.

With all that said, what is the ceiling for Christian Pulisic?

It would be rash to say that he will reach the heights of Messi or Ronaldo, on or off the pitch. It is more likely the young midfielder will be the de facto star of the US national team. He could also become the star for his club as well.

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Christian Pulisic has already become the United States first true No.10. His vision on the field is excellent. He can play the perfect pass to unlock the defense, has a soft first touch and is not easily bullied off the ball. The youngster is an all around midfielder who can also score goals. He is already the shining star in an otherwise aging US team.

In some respects, he reminds me of Chelsea FC legend Frank Lampard. Both are all-around players who can score and set up goals. Lampard, for those who don’t recall, is Chelsea FC’s record goal scorer and is a club legend. If Pulisic develops into that type of player, both the USMNT and his club will be in good hands for many years to come.

Christian Pulisic could very well be the first American player to become a true international superstar. If he continues to excel in Germany, it would be shocking if he does not move to the Premier League or La Liga.

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The increased exposure from these leagues would help propel him to true international icon status. Dortmund seems to understand how high his ceiling is, as they’ve locked him up through 2020.

The sky is the limit for Christian Pulisic. USMNT and Dortmund fans should be very, very excited.