Zlatan reveals why Pulisic is AC Milan’s “Captain America” and key for USMNT

Christian Pulisic can be considered at one of the high points in his career with AC Milan and the USMNT, after recently transferring to the Italian side from Chelsea; Pulisic is one of the vital pieces for the Rossoneri, proving himself quite impressive not only to the fans but even to legends such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Known for speaking his mind and stating the obvious, the Swedish forward spoke to the importance of Pulisic in Milan's locker room underlining his ability to pull off "crazy things" on the pitch. Nicknamed "Captain America," Pulisic isn't only crucial because of goals scored and assists made, but he is really important off the pitch. Pulisic's Impact at AC Milan: More Than Just Goals

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not one who gets quickly impressed. Known for his frank, sometimes undermining style, he is not short of spotting genuine, good talent. His words about Pulisic thus constitute a seal of approval. The Swede did point out that Milan has a framework and ambiance which let players remain "ocused exclusively on soccer and their performance on the field." For Ibrahimovic himself, such an environment has been crucial in the transformation of the USMNT star.

According to the former forward, Pulisic is finally back and looking well, both physically and mentally. "He's truly happy on the field," Ibrahimovic said, underlining that this has been what drove up the quality of his performances. With that happiness comes the confidence expressed in the seven goals and five assists across key matches against Liverpool, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. The "Captain America" chemistry between player and club is at an all-time high, and Ibrahimovic will be gunning to underline that link.

Zlatan's Support for Pulisic: A Seasoned Mentor

Not many players have earned public praise from Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former AC Milan and Sweden forward, known for his audacious, confident style, hardly minces his words on criticism. With Pulisic, however, it was a different tone altogether. In the interview with Champions League magazine, Zlatan points to what the USMNT forward has done with the club and labeled him "Captain America," praising the good atmosphere Milan enjoys. "Being at Milan makes all the players happy," Zlatan said, and this atmosphere makes a world of difference in both the team's performance and Pulisic's.

So far, this season, one of the big reasons Pulisic has been thriving in Serie A is indeed this synergy between the club and the player himself. Knowing that his environment sees him as a wanted athlete should allow the former Chelsea to just perform on the pitch, undisturbed by anything. That support is extended past the physical-mental and emotional too-and has made Pulisic really feel at home at AC Milan.

Brilliant Performances with the USMNT as Well

If Pulisic is "Captain America" at Milan, he personifies this role in its more literal sense when talking about the USMNT. As the captain of a generation ready to seal the U.S.'s name onto the world soccer scene, the forward will captain the team in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals against Jamaica, coached by Mauricio Pochettino.

That has symbolic weight, too, considering the USMNT has won the Nations League three times and Pulisic wants to make it four. The massive games on the road in Kingston and in St. Louis put the role of the forward at a critical position to keep the U.S. atop the tournament. It is that responsibility alone that pushes him even more to wear up the national team jersey and take on leadership.

Pulisic is important to the USMNT, and even with the demands of the European season, he is ready to give all his energy in defense of his country. His international experience and spirit of leadership are expected to raise the team's level in games that demand cool-headedness and game vision, which Pulisic has exhibited aplenty at Milan.