‘He’ engraves in his AC Milan debut by recording an early assist to his ex Chelsea teammate Fikayo Tomori
United States international Christian Pulisic played well in his début for AC Milan against Real Madrid in an exhibition match.
After a season of rumors in which Pulisic was linked with departing Chelsea during the transfer window preceding last year’s World Cup, the United States’ number 10 completed a transfer from West London to Milan for approximately $25 million.
The 24-year-old American made an immediate impression by registering an assist after only 25 minutes of play, when his corner kick on center back Fikayo Tomori’s header from point blank rang off the crossbar.
Tomori is also a former Chelsea player who played alongside Pulisic during Frank Lampard’s first tenure as manager at Stanford Bridge in 2019.
Pulisic spent the majority of his time in attack on the left side of the field, but he was also seen drifting to the right and playing in the center of midfield on occasion.
Along with the early assist, Pulisic made several successful dribbles to evade defenders and fought off Madrid defender Eder Militao to win a loose ball, although he was whistled for a foul as he attempted to start the counterattack due to a wayward arm striking the defender in the face.
Pulisic was joined in the starting lineup by erstwhile Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Loftus-Cheek started alongside Pulisic.
Luka Romero, another new signing, made his debut from the substitute in the first half and scored a goal from outside the box in the 42nd minute.
Frederico Valverde, a midfielder for Real Madrid, scored two fast goals to tie the game after Real Madrid had fallen behind 2-0 to AC Milan. Madrid would ultimately prevail, 3-2.
Pulisic remained on the field until the 70th minute, when Madrid made a massive group substitution of six players.
Despite appearing impressive in his highly anticipated debut at the historic Rose Bowl stadium in California, Pulisic’s debut was not the most significant event of the evening.
During the middle of the game’s pregame program, ESPN analyst Shaka Hislop fainted and collapsed.
Later in the game, it was disclosed that he was conscious, communicating, and ‘okay,’ but no diagnosis was available.
‘He’ engraves in his AC Milan debut by recording an early assist to his ex Chelsea teammate Fikayo Tomori