London, December 06, 2025
Christian Pulisic is delivering his most outstanding season to date with AC Milan in Serie A, recording career-high attacking statistics during the 2024–25 and early 2025–26 campaigns. His enhanced role, improved shot quality, and reduced injury absence are central to this peak performance.
Elite Statistical Output and Role Optimization
In the 2024–25 season, Pulisic scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists across 50 matches, including a Serie A career best of 11 goals and 9 assists over 34 appearances. So far in the 2025–26 campaign, he has tallied 7 goals and 2 assists in just 11 games, boasting a non-penalty expected goals (xG) plus expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes of approximately 0.86—marking the highest attacking productivity of his career. This marks him among the continent’s most effective forwards in the major European leagues.
His offensive surge correlates with tactical decisions by AC Milan’s manager Massimiliano Allegri, who has positioned Pulisic predominantly on his favored left wing. This allows the winger to cut inside onto his stronger right foot, enhancing creativity and shot selection. The slower tempo of Serie A versus the Premier League also suits Pulisic’s style, contributing to his ability to maintain consistent performances with less physical strain.
Improved Durability and Milestone Achievements
Since his move to Italy, Pulisic’s injury absences have dropped significantly; he missed 14 games over two full seasons, a notable improvement compared to his 12.5 games missed per season during his Chelsea tenure. This durability has enabled him to maintain rhythm and develop effective on-field chemistry.
Beyond raw numbers, Pulisic has reached historic milestones. He became the first Serie A player over the past three seasons to accumulate at least 25 goals and 15 assists. Additionally, he surpassed Clint Dempsey to become the all-time leading U.S. goalscorer in Europe’s top five leagues with 59 goals, underlining his sustained high-level output.
Challenges That Could Curtail Sustained Performance
Despite current highs, Pulisic’s long-term outlook contains risks tied to his injury history. His career has been punctuated by recurring muscle problems and physical setbacks, averaging significant missed games per season since 2017–18. A return to a more physically demanding environment or a notable muscle injury could threaten his availability and consistency.
Finishing efficiency also presents potential volatility. Historically, Pulisic’s goal conversion slightly lags behind his xG, indicating past overperformance may regress toward career norms. While his goals and assists rate of approximately 1.49 per 90 minutes in 2025–26 is exceptionally high, projections suggest this could decrease.
Additionally, Serie A’s relatively lower physical intensity favors him currently; a move back to the faster, more physical Premier League or Bundesliga might reduce his output and elevate injury risk. At 25 years old, Pulisic is entering the prime years but also a stage where injury patterns can become chronic without careful fitness management.
Finally, tactical shifts at AC Milan could affect his production. Should managerial changes prioritize defensive solidity or limit attacking freedom, his involvement in goal opportunities might diminish.
Christian Pulisic’s present form reflects a convergence of improved role alignment, healthier body management, and tactical fit, resulting in a performance level not previously sustained in his career. Whether he can maintain this peak amid the inherent risks of injury and tactical change will shape the next phase of his professional trajectory.