AUSTIN, Texas — Christian Pulisic has already made a strong impression on his new coach.

Pulisic has scored six goals in just nine games, making him tied for the third-highest scorer in Serie A with five goals in the league. He has also contributed with two assists, underscoring his role in half of AC Milan’s goals this season.

Having a player of Pulisic’s talent will surely assist Pochettino in his coaching role.

Pochettino, recognized as the most prominent coach the USMNT has ever seen, has a lengthy background in European club soccer, including leading Tottenham to the Champions League final and managing stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain.

However, this is Pochettino’s first experience as a national team coach, and with less than two years to prepare for the next World Cup — which the U.S. is co-hosting alongside Canada and Mexico — it’s crucial that he knows the key player for his squad right from the start.

“A great player. A fantastic player,” Pochettino stated about Pulisic. “A player that is going to help us now and in the future, to put the team in a place that we want.”

The USMNT will face Panama on Saturday night, which will be Pochettino’s debut match, followed by another friendly on Tuesday in Mexico against El Tri.

Pulisic has been a key figure for the USMNT over the years. He may only be 26, but it feels as though he has been around forever. He is certainly the most talented player that the United States has ever produced. His milestones — being the first American to partake in a Champions League final, the first to score in a Champions League semifinal, and the youngest player to find the net for the U.S. men’s team — are numerous and impressive, much like his goal tally.

Pulisic is experiencing a fantastic run at the moment. He has either scored or assisted in all but three of his last 11 games across both club and country since August.

“It’s tough to explain,” Pulisic remarked. “There are times in your career when it feels like everything works out perfectly. Other times, it feels like no matter what you do, you just can’t score. As an attacking player, we all have gone through highs and lows. Right now, I’m trying to make the most of this moment and keep it going.

“It’s a result of all the work I put in my entire life,” Pulisic continued. “So it shouldn’t come as a surprise. I know I have this talent, and I’m just trying to enjoy the high point while it lasts.”

Despite his success, Pulisic tends to shy away from the spotlight. While he appears to be adjusting to the commercial aspects of fame ahead of 2026 — appearing in more advertisements and sharing snippets of his personal life on social media — it’s a role he doesn’t particularly enjoy.

“I still find that part challenging,” he admitted. “I guess I believe it’s essential for me to push myself out of my comfort zone a little.”

One major challenge for Pochettino will be managing Pulisic’s playing time, which he is well-equipped to handle.

There has often been a conflict between club responsibilities and national duties. Players desire to represent their country, and success at the national level enhances a player’s reputation. Conversely, it’s the clubs that pay their salaries and where they spend most of their time. If a player suffers an injury or loses fitness while on national team duty, it’s the club that bears the consequences.

With his extensive club coaching background and now as a national team manager, Pochettino understands the delicate balance that must be maintained.

Pulisic joined the USMNT training camp this week after participating in three games for AC Milan within a span of ten days. When he returns to his club, Milan has four games scheduled in the next ten days, including a Champions League match. Given the long travel times, it’s no wonder Pochettino noted that Pulisic arrived at camp feeling “a little bit tired.”

“Sometimes we need to protect (him),” Pochettino stated. “ We are not going to take any risks with our players.”

This applies to all players, but it is especially pertinent for a key player like Pulisic, who is vital to both the USMNT and Pochettino’s plans.