Jurgen Klinsmann says Christian Pulisic is making case to be on USMNT's Copa America team
Christian Pulisic's incredible spring could turn into a magical summer. United States manager Jurgen Klinsmann said that the 17-year-old is making a strong case to play for the national team at this summer's Copa America Centenario, with his excellent play for Borussia Dortmund in recent months.
"Getting valuable minutes in that very, very intense environment, he sends messages out to what happens with the national team as well," Klinsmann explained.
Pulisic made his debut for the national team in a World Cup qualifier last month, but this would be a major step up. Copa America Centenario is the biggest event for the U.S. in 2016 and Klinsmann did not minimize how big the stage would be, or Pulisic's push for a spot on the team.
"We are weeks away from the Copa America, the biggest competition in the United States since the 1994 World Cup. [Pulisic] makes himself a case."
Pulisic was called up to Dortmund's first team over the winter break and made his debut in January. Now he's up to 10 matches for the famed Bundesliga club, where he has drawn praise from management and fans alike for his poise, skill and ability to fit in to such a good team at such a young age. He scored his first goal last week, pushing the excitement around the teenager even higher.
With the U.S. lacking skillful, creative attacking midfielders and players excelling in top leagues, Pulisic looks like a natural choice to make the Copa America team. But it is impossible to ignore his age and inexperience -- and that is why Klinsmann will almost certainly call Pulisic into training camp prior to the tournament. Then the youngster's play in training can determine whether he makes the Copa America team. Not bad for a kid who hadn't even made his professional debut at the start of the year.
We've reached the point where Pulisic has essentially skipped the U-20 and U-23 youth national teams. Maybe he goes back and plays for them when needed, but right now, he's very much a senior team player, which is extraordinary.
