Christian Pulisic ‘paved the way’ for the next generation of US soccer stars, according to teammate Brenden Aaronson… as Chelsea winger admits ‘he never takes for granted’ playing for his country
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Leeds midfielder Brenden Aaronson believes Christian Pulisic ‘paved the way’ for young American soccer players.
The pair are a pivotal part of the USMNT roster, who revealed all in a social media piece, which will face England in Group B on Friday afternoon at 2pm EST.
Aaronson was full of praise for his teammate and the influence he has had as soccer continues to develop in the nation.
‘I think he paved the way for a lot of Americans,’ Aaronson told the Premier League.
‘Especially in my age — his quality and the things he can do. I’ve seen it first-person and I think he’s an amazing, amazing player.
Brenden Aaronson (L) believes Christian Pulisic (R) ‘paved the way’ for young American players
‘The thing I want to take from him is how he drives at players. He’s not afraid to maybe make a mistake or two. He just keeps going and has so much quality on the ball.’
Pulisic was the youngest to ever captain his country, the youngest to score a hat-trick for Chelsea and the most youthful American scorer in the UEFA Champions League.
Creating history brings with it praise and limelight, but lurking in the shadows is a demand — publicly at least — to have to do more than most.
‘I think I’ve definitely had to grow up fast, I’ve learned a lot,’ Pulisic said of his time as US soccer’s poster boy, via FOX. ‘I don’t take it as a burden though, I’m extremely lucky.’
The weight of a nation is something that doesn’t seem to bother Chelsea’s Pulisic
‘I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I understand how blessed I am, and lucky to be in this position.’
Pulisic speaks generally of where he is now, but on Friday afternoon in his home country, the 24-year-old will be under the gaze of millions — willing and demanding he be the catalyst for another ground-breaking moment.
‘I did work extremely hard to want to be here but I never take for granted what I do every day,’ he added.
‘And get to play this game I love, and get to play for the country I love and where I was born and raised.’
Pulisic looks dejected following the 1-1 tie with Wales but has chance to inspire win on Friday
England present a daunting task for Pulisic and Co., not that he’d have it any other way.
‘I truly believe anything’s possible. I think we’re a confident bunch of guys, I think that’s a thing… we’re competing to win,’ he said.
‘I play for every American citizen there is. That’s the greatest honor there is in sports.’
England are considered tournament favorites with the USMNT facing an uphill battle in today’s matchup, although there’s been a host of tournament shocks already. A spot in the knockout stage is still possible following Iran’s 2-0 win over Wales and even with defeat by England.
More Stories
Furious Lions star Dayne Zorko claims AFL has legalised attacks on players’ genitals after rival who left him with ‘bruised’ groin got off with just a fine
Manchester United 2-3 Borussia Dortmund: Errors in defence lead Ten Hag’s men to defeat in Las Vegas
LeBron James ‘kept telling diners how grateful he was’ to be at dinner with son Bronny, 18, just four days after his cardiac arrest in basketball practice