Jurgen Klopp had only kind words for Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic. The player put in a great performance in a friendly against Liverpool. However, Klopp warns U.S. fans not to pile up pressure on the youngster.
Christian Pulisic is without a doubt U.S. football’s shining beacon of light. A talented player, at just 19 years old he is already an integral part of Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s finest teams. The U.S. failed to qualify to the 2018 World Cup. And with big expectations for the team, there are also large expectations for Pulisic to prove himself.
The midfielder was responsible for two goals against Liverpool in the game played in Charlotte, N.C. Both teams are currently involved in a summer tour of the U.S. Ironically, despite being the best player on the field, the 19 year old was denied the Man of the match award due to his age. The match was sponsored by a well known beer company and Pulisic is under the drinking age in the U.S.
Jurgen Klopp, a former Dortmund manager, praised the player. Klopp says that the U.S. team needs more players of his stature if they are to hope for improved results.
“He’s a fantastic skilled boy, and it’s not a surprise to see. He’s a smart player, and unfortunately the USA needs more of these players. He alone cannot do it all,” the German says.
“Don’t put too much pressure on the boy, hopefully you can have a few more of them and then play very successful soccer in the future. If Belgium and Iceland can go to a World Cup then so can the USA. I think he’ll be fine.”
As expected, Klopp was also asked about whether he has any interest in signing the player. Liverpool has been highly involved in the transfer market this summer. The Premier League side’s manager doesn’t deny it would a transfer he would be interested in. He admits that it would not be an easy transfer to turn into reality.
“He has a contract at Dortmund. That’s the first problem,” Klopp says.“I know Christian. I liked him since he was a kid. He’s a fantastic player, it’s deserved people think highly of him, and in Germany it’s the same.”
“If he wants to play in England he has the chance to do so, but he’s at a really good club already. He had not his best season last year but he was a decisive player [for Dortmund]. There’s no rush – That’s good and he wants to be the best Pulisic he can be.”
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