Christian Pulic (left) has four goals and three assists for the USA in 2017. (Photo: Straffon Images)
NEW YORK -- Perhaps it was inevitable that United States midfielder Christian Pulisic has risen quickly to such an important role for club and country.
After all, the 18-year-old has shown the poise of the most seasoned veteran.
He has broken into Borussia Dortmund's starting line-up and has become a key cog in the American attack.
"Everything happened a little bit too fast," said Pulisic at a press conference Tuesday. "The past year has been a roller coaster. Being able to play at club level at a high level, and then getting called into the national team, it's amazing. But I'm just trying to stay as level-grounded as I can, finding a balance."
Given the hype about his outstanding performances, Pulisic has become the center of attention -- on and off the field.
"Of course, I hear about all this stuff people talk about," he remarked. "This kid, there's hype, whatever. I just try to keep it out of my mind as much as I can because that doesn't really matter to me. I put enough pressure on myself. I don't need all this outside tension or whatever. I just try to do the best I can for myself and the people around me."
Pulisic has made a sensational start to his international career, scoring seven goals and assisting on five others in 16 games.
His secret?
“Going out there and being creative and being dangerous," finished Pulisic. "Just always keeping the defender on their toes with that attacking style.”
The U.S. hopes that formula produces similar results for many years to come.
