After a breakthrough first season, Christian Pulisic has develop into certainly one of AC Milan‘s standout gamers in his second 12 months. Nevertheless, with the crew’s latest signing of Joao Felix, questions at the moment are being raised concerning the potential competitors for Pulisic’s spot. Felix has expressed his want to stay at Milan long-term, which may current challenges for the USMNT star.
Milan is embarking on a brand new period beneath head coach Paulo Fonseca, with the membership aiming to safe a spot in European competitions. To bolster the squad, Milan made important strikes throughout the winter switch window, together with the mortgage acquisition of Joao Felix from Chelsea for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
In his first look with Milan, Felix wasted no time making his intentions clear about his future. “For now, I’m on mortgage, and I’m having fun with all the pieces. We’ll see the way it goes. The necessary factor is to be the place you’re feeling good, and I’m glad right here. In soccer, all the pieces can change, but when there’s a chance to remain, I’d prefer to,” Felix mentioned throughout his presentation on Monday.
His impression on the crew has been fast. In simply 115 minutes unfold over two video games, the Portuguese ahead scored a aim in his debut match throughout the Coppa Italia in opposition to Roma. “It’s been a implausible week with two wins and the prospect to play and rating at San Siro. Once you’re right here, you perceive why it’s one of many greatest golf equipment in Europe,” he added.
Felix has additionally acquired the backing of AC Milan advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who believes the ahead has the potential to develop into a membership legend: “Let’s hope Joao Felix turns into a legend of Milan too. He’s an important expertise, a younger participant who can nonetheless develop, a participant who creates conditions and is aware of how you can remedy them in tight matches. He’s a magical participant, and that’s not one thing you possibly can be taught. The coach is aware of him nicely, and we all know his qualities.”
Will Pulisic’s position be affected?
With the rising expectations surrounding Joao Felix’s arrival, issues have emerged about how his presence may have an effect on Pulisic’s position at Milan. Nevertheless, Felix’s positioning may really complement Pulisic’s play somewhat than restrict it.
Felix, who primarily performs within the No. 10 position behind the striker, has beforehand mentioned his discussions with coach Fonseca earlier than becoming a member of Milan. “He by no means informed me how a lot I might play, however he did say I might play in my place, and that satisfied me,” Félix defined.
Whereas Felix’s pure place might overlap with Pulisic’s, coach Fonseca has already tailored Pulisic to a extra versatile position, together with deploying him on the proper wing. Pulisic has excelled on this capability, contributing key performances, together with objectives within the Supercoppa Italiana victories in opposition to Juventus and Inter, in addition to latest assists and an MVP show in opposition to Empoli.
Furthermore, Felix’s signing may function a useful choice ought to Pulisic face accidents, as has been the case this season. The USMNT ahead has missed a number of video games attributable to damage setbacks in late 2024 and early 2025, with a complete of seven video games sidelined. With Felix within the squad, Milan could have extra flexibility and depth within the attacking division, guaranteeing that the crew received’t wrestle throughout Pulisic’s absences.
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