Pulisic’s Improved Rating Highlights Value, Yet Sparse Starts Prompt Questions for Amorim
Positive Numbers Amid a Cautious Return
Since his comeback from a lower‑leg injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup, American winger Christian Pulisic has shown that he can still influence AC Milan’s attacking play. The 28‑year‑old has contributed a goal and an assist in his first five matches of the 2026‑27 season, with the strike coming in the 3‑0 win over Lecce on 20 September and the assist delivered against Lazio. Those contributions have helped him lift his average performance rating to 7.16 on Sofascore, a modest rise from the 7.0 he posted across the previous campaign.
Statistical Snapshot
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
- Average rating: 7.16 (up from 7.0)
- Passing accuracy: 90% (up from 86%)
- Goal‑or‑assist every 134 minutes (versus 129 minutes last season)
- Starts: 2 of the first 5 appearances (versus 20 starts when he was available last season)
Why the Drop in Starts Matters
While the numbers above paint a picture of effectiveness when Pulisic does get on the pitch, the reduction in his starting opportunities is striking. In the previous season he started 20 out of the 34 matches for which he was fit. This term, however, he has been named in the starting eleven only twice – against Sassuolo on 11 October, where he completed 78 minutes in a 1‑1 draw, and the earlier Lecce fixture.
Following the Sassuolo game, he was relegated to the bench for the Europa League quarter‑final triumph over Red Bull Salzburg four days later, entering after halftime and playing just 31 minutes in a 4‑0 victory. The pattern suggests that manager Ruben Amorim is carefully managing his workload, possibly balancing fitness concerns with a desire to test alternative attacking options.
Possible Reasons Behind the Rotation
- Fitness management: Pulisic missed Milan’s preseason and the opening Serie A matches, meaning his conditioning is still being fine‑tuned.
- Tactical experimentation: Amorim may be exploring different formations or personnel that better suit the team’s evolving style.
- Squad competition: The Rossoneri have added depth in the forward line, creating a tougher battle for a regular place.
Impact When He Plays
Despite limited minutes, Pulisic’s contribution per 90 minutes remains comparable to last season. His combined goal and assist rate of one every 134 minutes is only marginally slower than the 129‑minute rhythm he enjoyed previously. Moreover, his passing accuracy has risen to 90%, indicating a more reliable role in Milan’s build‑up play rather than merely finishing chances.
These metrics reinforce the view that, when called upon, Pulisic can still deliver quality moments and help the team maintain possession and create opportunities.
Looking Ahead
AC Milan’s schedule is set to become more demanding in the coming weeks, with a Serie A clash against Atalanta and a Europa League tie versus Bournemouth on the horizon. Both fixtures present chances for Pulisic to stake a claim for a more regular starting berth.
Should he continue to match or exceed his current rating, preserve his high passing success, and keep his goal‑or‑assist frequency steady, the data will become increasingly difficult for Amorim to overlook. Conversely, if his involvement remains sporadic, the early‑season trend of reduced starts could hinder his ability to replicate the output that made him one of Milan’s key attacking assets last season.
Bottom Line
The early numbers from the 2026‑27 campaign give AC Milan supporters reasons to be optimistic about Pulisic’s form: a higher rating, sharper passing, and an efficient contribution rate. Yet the sharp decline in his starting appearances stands out as the statistic that warrants the closest scrutiny. Consistent minutes will be essential if the American star hopes to translate his promising metrics into the sustained impact that the Rossoneri require as they chase domestic and European success.
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