Giroud Backs Pulisic to Lead USA at World Cup
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- Olivier Giroud said Christian Pulisic has the quality to take the United States "to the next level" at the World Cup, praising his strong display against Paraguay while expressing concern over a calf problem that forced him off at halftime.
- Pulisic carried the weight of US expectations from the moment he joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, and at AC Milan his teammates called him "Captain America" because of his profile as the squad's biggest star.
- Giroud compared Pulisic's dribbling style to Eden Hazard, saying both could glide past defenders, but Pulisic sometimes "played within himself" at Chelsea by putting too much pressure on himself.
- Pulisic endured a "so-so season" at Milan, with the team collapsing and missing Champions League qualification, though he ended a goal drought against Senegal in late May to restore confidence before the tournament.
- Giroud defended Pulisic's decision to skip last summer's Gold Cup to rest under US manager Mauricio Pochettino, saying it was right to trust Pulisic knew his body best ahead of this World Cup.
- Giroud is covering the tournament as a BBC Sport pundit after retiring from international football with France following Euro 2024, having appeared at four European Championships and three World Cups since 2012.
Why it matters: Giroud's endorsement comes from a World Cup winner who shared a dressing room with Pulisic at Chelsea and AC Milan, lending unusual specificity to the take. With the USMNT not expected to win the tournament, Giroud frames Pulisic's mental strength, maturity at 27, and ability to elevate those around him as the variables that could push the United States past the group stage.
