The FIFA World Cup 2022 is just around the corner, starting on 20th November in Qatar. The United States is getting ready for the biggest soccer tournament as USMNT returns to center stage for the first time since 2014.
USMNT will play in Group B, with England, Wales, and Iran in the same group. Christian Pulisic and co. will play their world cup opener against Wales on 21st November.
The former U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year and youngest captain Christian Pulisic, and Sergino Dest will be two important players for the nation’s hope in the upcoming World Cup. But how are Pulisic and Dest doing with their current clubs? Are they in good form?
Christian Pulisic stays at Chelsea
Things don’t look promising for Christian Pulisic in his current club Chelsea. The 23-year-old American struggles for minutes and is clearly out of favor under Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
The kid from Hershey… cool as you like 😎 @cpulisic_10 pic.twitter.com/0MwgKfMXZT
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 13, 2021
In the English outfit’s Premier League season 2022-2023, Pulisic started only a match out of six and was taken out after 59 minutes. He played for a few minutes in those five other matches, coming in the second half and having no impact.
Unfortunately, the #FreePulisic movement of the fans didn’t pan out in the transfer window. Chelsea’s new summer signing, Raheem Sterling from Man City, has been a regular starter and getting goals. Hakim Ziyech will also cut out minutes from the winger/attacking mid. Moreover, the deadline arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona indicates that the 2020-2021 European Champions have no intention to use Pulisic for key roles.
However, things can change dramatically in soccer. With the Champions League starting on 6th Sept. and Chelsea’s busy schedule, Christian Pulisic would get more minutes and come out on top.
If not the first, Christian Pulisic is the second or third most important player for USMNT in the World Cup. Fingers crossed, he would travel to Qatar with a lot more confidence.
Sergino Dest loan off to AC Milan
Sergino Dest, the 21-year-old defender, has been loaned off to AC Milan from Barcelona on the transfer window deadline day. It would be a crucial move for the young American only days before the World Cup 2022.
I’m so proud and excited to join the Champions of Italy and such a historic club! Forza Milan 🔴⚫️ @acmilan pic.twitter.com/E8r6Jri9kU
— Sergiño Dest (@sergino_dest) September 1, 2022
Sergino Dest joined Barcelona from Ajax in the 2020-2021 season. He played important role in Barcelona’s right-back position in that season. However, the defender had been out of favor for the last six months under Barcelona manager Xavi.
In the La Liga season 22-23, Sergino Dest didn’t start in any of Barcelona’s four games. On top of that, Barcelona signed three defenders in Christensen, Kounde, and Marcos Alonso in the summer transfer window. Ronald Araujo and Sergi Roberto are Xavi’s priorities over Dest in that position.
A loan move to Italian champions AC Milan would ensure more minutes for the USMNT defender. He could feature in AC Milan’s clash against Napoli, and Juventus, and in the Champions League over the next couple of weeks. More importantly, he looks ready to visit Qatar with much more confidence.
- Read Also: FIFA World Cup 2022 Opening Ceremony
