Is Christian Pulisic the new Landon Donovan?
With five key players ruled out due to injuries, the 22-year-old will be in charge of leading the USMNT in their upcoming trip to Mexico for the World Cup qualifiers.
One of the most anticipated fixtures during the international window of March is between the United States and Mexico for the World Cup qualifiers in CONCACAF. The biggest rivalry of the area will take place at the Azteca stadium and the three points are crucial for both sides' aspiration to book a direct spot to Qatar in November.
All eyes on Christian Pulisic
The USMNT have five confirmed injuries, with Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Matt Turner and Sergiño Dest all out for the final batch of World Cup qualifiers. This means that Christian Pulisic will have to lead the team in the final three games in order to secure a top-three finish in the round-robin tournament and their ticket to Qatar in November.
The Chelsea playmaker failed to help the United States to qualify to the 2018 Russia World Cup and now he is seeking revenge. Also, Pulisic is considered to be the heir of former USMNT legend Landon Donovan, considered to be the best player in history of the country. Donovan is remembered for always showing up in the biggest games and in the biggest stages for club and country.
Donovan played in three World Cups
The former LA Galaxy man played in three World Cups (2002, 2006 and 2010) and he was known for being Mexico’s archenemy. Donovan had very controversial celebrations every time he found the back of the net against ‘El Tri’ and there were three moments that the Mexican fans have not forgotten.
Donovan scored the second goal in the round of 16 against Mexico in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in the 2-0 win during the 2014 qualifiers and in the 2-1 victory to win the 2007 Gold Cup. That is how the former LA Galaxy legend earned the nickname ‘Captain America’ and now it is time for Pulisic to earn the throne that was left vacant.
Decisive Pulisic
The Chelsea playmaker has been decisive in his last two fixtures against Mexico and he has made some controversial celebrations that will never be forgotten. Pulisic helped the USMNT defeat Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final and in the 2-0 win last November during the World Cup qualifiers.
Pulisic has scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 45 appearances across all competitions with the USMNT. Also, the 23-year-old wants to become the sixth player in United States’ history to score at the Azteca stadium in 12 qualifying matches; not even Donovan entered this prestigious list.