13. Christian Pulisic, Borussia Dortmund
Position: Midfielder
Nationality: American
Age: 18
Pulisic was 15 when Dortmund scouts went to Turkey to check out USA Under-17 talent Haji Wright. The scouts raved about Pulisic and a few months later, the player signed and moved to Germany with his father Mark. The move was not always smooth, he admitted to SI, but within two years, Pulisic was in the Dortmund first team. Twelve months ago he became the youngest player to score two goals in the Bundesliga (aged 17 and 218 days). Last fall he starred for the USA senior team in its 4-0 win over Trinidad & Tobago, and he came off the bench to set up an equalizer for his Dortmund in its 2-2 Champions League draw at Real Madrid.
Speed of thought marks out Pulisic on the pitch; he makes the right decisions and is tactically versatile, with Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel sometimes using him as a winger or wingback this season. He signed a new deal with Dortmund in the spring, shutting down suggestions of big bids from Liverpool or RB Leipzig. U.S. fans have hailed him as the most exciting prospect since Landon Donovan. His shooting from distance and dribbling past opponents could improve, but his game intelligence is exceptional, and, at the moment, Dortmund is the best place for his development.
What they're saying:
“Obviously Christian is a very talented player. He will have a great future.”
– Bruce Arena, USA coach
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