On-fire Pulisic sets personal record, leaves Chukwueze in the dust
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Christian Pulisic continues to outshine Samuel Chukwueze at Milan (Credit: Imago)

On-fire Pulisic sets personal record, leaves Chukwueze in the dust

Seye Omidiora 11:31 - 30.09.2024

The USMNT star reached new heights with the Rossoneri against Lecce, outperforming the Nigerian in Milan.

Christian Pulisic continued his scorching hot streak, scoring for the fifth consecutive match – a first in his career – as AC Milan cruised to a 3-0 victory over Lecce in Serie A.

AC Milan vs Lecce

The Rossoneri unleashed a flurry of goals shortly before half-time, putting the game out of reach for Luca Gotti's men.

Alvaro Morata opened the scoring with a well-placed header in minute 38, followed by a thunderous strike from Theo Hernandez three minutes later. Pulisic then capped off the blitz with a clinical finish to make it 3-0 heading into the break.

Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring for AC Milan on September 27, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

This goal marks the USMNT star’s fourth in as many games for Milan, extending his remarkable scoring run that includes a goal for the United States in their recent friendly against New Zealand — he has notched goals against the All Whites on international duty, Venezia, Liverpool, Inter and Lecce.  

Since joining Milan in June of last year, Pulisic has been a key contributor, racking up an impressive 32 goals and assists combined – the highest tally in Serie A during that period.

Pulisic’s storming form vs Chukwueze’s continued struggles

Samuel Chukwueze
AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze pictured on September 27, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

Pulisic's exceptional form has solidified his place as a fan favourite at the San Siro and established him as one of the most dangerous attackers in Italy’s top flight, and the former Chelsea attacker’s contributions will be crucial in their pursuit of silverware.

By contrast, Chukwueze has been unable to establish himself as a pivotal component at the start of year two, starting twice in six top-flight matches. The Nigerian was initially affected by Stefano Pioli's change to a 4-3-3 last term, unsuccessfully forcing his way into the XI when the former Milan boss intermittently altered his approach. 

Although year two promised much under Paulo Fonseca, with the Super Eagles forward scoring important strikes in the off-season, the former Villarreal man remains on the periphery of the side and had to make do with a 27-minute appearance in Friday's victory after replacing Pulisic just after the hour. 

Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze in action for AC Milan on September 27, 2024 (Credit: Imago)

What next for Pulisic and Chukwueze?

The USMNT star is anticipated to play at Chukwueze’s expense when Fonseca’s men travel to defending Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday in their second Champions League fixture of 2024-25.