In the nascent stages of the 2025-26 preseason, a familiar face in an unfamiliar position has captured the attention of football enthusiasts: Christian Pulisic, the American international, stepping into a central attacking role for AC Milan. This tactical experiment, orchestrated by the returning Massimiliano Allegri, offers a fascinating glimpse into the Rossoneri`s strategic considerations and hints at a potentially evolving narrative for one of football`s most dynamic wingers.
The Preseason Proving Ground: AC Milan vs. Arsenal
The curtain rose on AC Milan`s preseason campaign with a fixture against Arsenal in Singapore. While the Rossoneri narrowly succumbed to a solitary goal from Bukayo Saka, the match`s true intrigue lay not in the scoreline, but in the personnel configurations. Under the renewed guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, who has returned to the Italian club this summer, the team deployed a 3-5-2 formation, with Pulisic unexpectedly lining up alongside Rafael Leao at the spearhead of the attack.
It`s a truth universally acknowledged in football that preseason results are largely inconsequential. Yet, the tactical choices made during these early encounters often serve as indicators of a manager`s immediate intentions and long-term vision. Pulisic`s deployment as a striker was precisely one such indicator, sparking considerable discussion among pundits and fans alike.
Necessity, the Mother of Tactical Invention
The rationale behind Pulisic`s temporary shift from his customary wide positions appears to be rooted in practical necessity. AC Milan currently finds itself in the market for a dedicated number nine, following the departures of Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham, whose contracts expired at the close of last season. With young striker Lorenzo Colombo poised for a loan move and Santiago Gimenez not yet integrated with the squad, Allegri was compelled to explore alternative solutions within his existing roster.
Enter the American maestro. While traditionally operating on either flank, often as a right winger in Milan`s previous 4-3-3 setup, Pulisic`s new role saw him positioned largely on the left side of the attacking pair, engaging in 34 touches during the first half. This tactical improvisation, born out of a striker shortage, presented an intriguing prospect. It allowed Rafael Leao, a player celebrated for his explosive talent and fluidity, to roam more freely across the attacking third, unburdened by rigid defensive responsibilities. The notion that Leao`s performances could be further amplified by the presence of a natural striker alongside him is, of course, a tantalizing one for Milanisti, but for now, Pulisic filled the void.
A Glimpse into Pulisic`s Versatility
Despite not registering a shot during his 45 minutes on the pitch, Pulisic`s outing as a pseudo-striker provided a fresh perspective on his adaptability. This was not merely a case of pushing a winger forward; it was a nuanced role blending elements of a traditional No. 10 operating behind a central striker with the flexibility to drift wide, particularly to the left, during both offensive and defensive phases. It`s a testament to Pulisic`s technical acumen and understanding of the game that he could slot into such a role, even if for a limited spell.
Allegri, ever the pragmatist, acknowledged the efforts of his players, stating, “Leao put in an excellent performance, just like all the other players. I`m satisfied with him. When we lose, even in a friendly, I`m never completely happy, but now it`s important to prepare well for the rest of the season.” He conceded the strength of Arsenal, noting, “For sixty minutes, we played on par with them.” This measured assessment reflects a focus on collective effort and strategic fine-tuning rather than immediate results.
The Season Ahead: Domestic Focus and European Ambitions
For AC Milan, the upcoming season will be a unique one. Having failed to qualify for European competitions last campaign, their focus will be singularly trained on domestic glory – the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia. The primary objective, however, remains unequivocal: securing a return to the prestigious Champions League. Every tactical adjustment, every preseason experiment, including Pulisic`s unexpected stint up front, will be meticulously evaluated against this overarching goal.
The friendly against Arsenal, despite the loss, concluded with a bizarre but entertaining penalty shootout, which Milan won 6-5. Young Italian goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani emerged as an unlikely hero, saving three spot-kicks and offering a hopeful sign for the club`s youth academy. The Rossoneri will continue their preseason preparations with another high-profile friendly against Liverpool, offering more opportunities for Allegri to refine his strategies and for Pulisic to perhaps surprise us all again.
While it remains premature to declare this a permanent tactical shift, Pulisic`s brief tenure as a striker underscores his growing versatility and Allegri`s willingness to think outside the box. As the season progresses, whether as a makeshift forward or back on the wing, “Captain America” will undoubtedly be a pivotal figure in AC Milan`s pursuit of redemption and a return to European football`s elite stage.
