Tim Howard: Pulisic Poised to Replicate De Bruyne and Salah's Premier League Redemption
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Tim Howard believes Christian Pulisic is ready to orchestrate one of the Premier League's most remarkable comeback narratives. The American goalkeeping legend suggests the AC Milan attacker could mirror the triumphant returns of Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
Pulisic's £58million transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Chelsea in 2019 never materialized into the success story many anticipated. Despite lifting the Champions League trophy, persistent injury setbacks and a strained relationship with manager Thomas Tuchel prevented the American from establishing himself at Stamford Bridge.
The narrative has dramatically shifted in Italy. The 26-year-old winger has been sensational for AC Milan this campaign, contributing eight goals and two assists in Serie A. Only Inter's Lisandro Martinez has found the net more frequently through 24 matches. With Milan occupying second place in the standings, Pulisic has emerged as their most influential performer.
Drawing Parallels to Premier League Superstars
Speaking on his Unfiltered Soccer podcast about reported interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool, Howard made a bold comparison. "I'm placing him in elite company here... Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah," Howard stated.
"Apparently they weren't up to standard at Chelsea, so they headed overseas. Mohamed Salah joined Roma while Kevin De Bruyne played for Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg. They developed confidence abroad, returned to the Premier League and completely dominated."
Howard identifies identical circumstances with Pulisic's situation. The American international has flourished at Milan, shouldering enormous responsibility at one of European football's most storied institutions. At 26, he's evolved significantly from the player who underwhelmed in London.
"He's been Serie A's standout performer, so I believe if he returns to the Premier League with Manchester United, Arsenal or Liverpool, there's genuinely another gear he can reach," Howard elaborated.
Implications for United's Campaign
Should Manchester United secure this transfer, they'd acquire one of Europe's most prolific attackers. For those analyzing top-four possibilities or trophy contention, Pulisic's addition would dramatically alter the landscape. His Italian form indicates he's peaking at the optimal moment.
However, American football icon Landon Donovan expressed one concern. "The physicality factor is legitimate," Donovan cautioned. "Premier League athletes are absolute specimens. Christian is exceptional athletically, but we've witnessed him succumb to injuries periodically."
Donovan questioned whether Pulisic possesses the durability for 35-40 matches annually at Premier League tempo without his fitness concerns resurfacing. It's a valid consideration given his injury-riddled Chelsea tenure.
Nevertheless, Howard contends that if Pulisic aims to establish himself as America's greatest footballer, validation must come at an elite Premier League club. "If he's focused on that ultimate goal... he'll approach this opportunity completely differently," Howard remarked.
The crucial question remains whether United, Arsenal or Liverpool will submit offers. With Milan competing for the Scudetto, any deal will command a substantial fee. However, if Pulisic executes the De Bruyne-Salah redemption arc successfully, it could rank among the window's most impactful acquisitions.