Christian Pulisic’s struggles beyond scoring: Why his shot stats are a worry for Milan despite irreplaceable role
Since arriving at Milan, Christian Pulisic has established himself as a crucial part of the squad, with multiple managers relying on him as an irreplaceable figure. From Stefano Pioli to Paulo Fonseca and now Sergio Conceicao, the American has remained a constant presence in the Rossoneri’s plans. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Milan considers him a fundamental pillar of the squad and a player to build around for the future. His performances in his debut season justified this faith, as he quickly became one of the team’s most productive attacking players.
This season, Pulisic has scored 12 goals in all competitions (six in Serie A) and provided nine assists (eight in the league), putting him level with Tijjani Reijnders as Milan’s joint-top goalscorer. Given his contributions, Milan moved early to secure his contract renewal, ensuring both his commitment to the club and his status as a top player in economic terms. The renewal sends a clear message: “Pulisic feels at home at Milan, and the club has no intention of letting him go.”
Despite his overall impact, 2025 has not been kind to Milan or Pulisic. While the Rossoneri won the Italian Super Cup in January, their form has dipped considerably since then. Almost every player has suffered a slump, and the 26-year-old is no exception. It’s no secret that the USMNT international failed to score in February despite playing 454 minutes across various competitions, managing only two assists against relegation-threatened Empoli.
His struggles became even more apparent when he stepped up to take a penalty against Torino, only to see his shot saved. It was the first time he failed to convert from the spot since moving to the San Siro, breaking a perfect streak in both club and international soccer.
Not just goalscoring woes: Worrying trend in attempts at goal as well
Pulisic’s numbers this season are respectable, but a closer look reveals a concerning trend. As per The Athletic, his goal output has significantly dropped in recent months. While he scored crucial goals in Milan’s Italian Super Cup run against Juventus and Inter, he has only netted three times in competitive matches since October 22. His last Champions League goal came against Club Brugge, and his only Serie A goal since October 6 was a penalty in late January. Even that penalty failed to provide a much-needed confidence boost.
However, the American star’s dip in form isn’t entirely his fault. The Rossoneri’s constant managerial changes and tactical shifts have affected his role, forcing him to adapt to different playing styles. Last season under Pioli, he found consistency as a right winger or attacking midfielder, where he thrived in the half-spaces. But under Fonseca and Conceicao, his positioning has fluctuated.
The Athletic’s analysis highlights this shift: In September, his most productive month, 34.7% of his attacking-half touches came in central areas, while 48.4% occurred on the right. By February, however, those numbers changed drastically—just 20.6% of his touches were central, while 61.9% were in wide areas. This has directly affected his shooting opportunities, with his shots per 90 minutes dropping from 2.37 in December to just 0.37 in February.