Former USMNT midfielder Stu Holden remains confident in Christian Pulisic's ability to deliver when it matters most, despite the winger's recent struggles at club level. Speaking as Fox Sports analyst and ambassador for the World Cup hospitality experience, Holden provided crucial perspective on why Pulisic's current form should not overshadow his tournament potential.
Breaking Down Pulisic's Performance
Pulisic presents what Holden calls "a hard player to analyze," largely because his on-field performances correlate directly with his mental state and overall happiness. The AC Milan winger is currently in an eight-game goalless drought for the USMNT, yet Holden points to historical precedent as reason for optimism. Heading into the 2022 World Cup, Pulisic managed just one goal in 18 appearances while enduring a five-game scoring drought with the national team—conditions that did not prevent him from excelling when the tournament arrived.
"That is what I fall back on, and that I think gives me confidence," Holden explained. The psychological component cannot be underestimated; elite athletes often compartmentalize club struggles and elevate their game on the international stage. Holden's analysis acknowledges that mental well-being plays an outsized role in Pulisic's consistency, a factor increasingly recognized as central to player development in modern soccer.
Shared Responsibility and McKennie's Rise
Beyond Pulisic's individual form, Holden identifies a structural shift within the USMNT that could prove beneficial. Weston McKennie has emerged as the team's most important player, effectively distributing the pressure that once fell solely on Pulisic's shoulders. This development may actually strengthen the USMNT's World Cup chances by reducing the burden of expectation on Pulisic. Holden notes that McKennie plays with a carefree mentality—competing fiercely while maintaining the freedom to express himself—a dynamic that could lift the entire squad.
The narrative around USMNT success need not revolve around one star. While Pulisic's contributions remain critical, the emergence of supporting players creates a more balanced attack and distributes attacking responsibility. This aligns the USMNT's development trajectory with winning tournament teams, which rarely succeed on the back of single performers. The next international fixtures will test whether this squad-wide confidence translates into consistent performances.
