Landon Donovan’s comments about Christian Pulisic ‘ARE RIDICULOUS!’ - Nedum Onuoha | ESPN FC

On ESPN FC, Alejandro Moreno, Shaka Hislop, Nedum Onuoha and Nicky Bandini join the show to discuss Christian Pulisic’s reported move to AC Milan and Landon Donovan’s questions about what this could mean for his USMNT future heading into the 2026 World Cup.
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[@davidt3956]

This is one of reasons I put Dempsey above Donovan. Landon ran back, with his tail between his legs, to be a big fish in a small pond. Clint stayed, worked hard, and even became the captain of an EPL team.

[@S1LVAW0LF]

100%. Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey > Landon Donovan. those guys were American beasts in the prem.

[@XxAlex530xX]

I’ve always been team Dempsey. I think Donavan was more famous because of this antics but Dempsey is way better.

[@OzyMandias13]

Brian McBride was no slouch

[@jblaze600]

Dempsey

[@1ankr]

😂

[@itzenorozco3734]

Even with the little playing time Pulisic got at Chelsea, he was still one of our better players at the World Cup. Donovan is clearly just being a cheerleader for the MLS

[@thewayiseeit167]

Internationally Pulisic is not on the level of Donovan. Of course, he is a cheerleader for MLS. He wants the league to grow and create a culture like the other countries.

[@FormerPessitheRobberfan]

@@thewayiseeit167 MLS is garbage. They have no business in the national team and no serious footballer has any business playing there. It's not even the strongest league in the western hemisphere.

[@Jesseg-rj6xf]

You must of missed the World Cup. He did nothing

[@dktrted]

@@Jesseg-rj6xf He scored against Iran to send the US through. Injured himself in the process. That’s at least as much an accomplishment as Donovan’s goal against Algeria. I’ll give Donovan credit for pushing his own personal plan of running to MLS when he got homesick. I think Ale hit the nail on the head: stay, fight for your spot, push yourself. As opposed to pumping up your ego being a big fish in a small pond. Which is not going to get the US any closer to competing with the world superpowers, who to be sure are not in CONCACAF.

[@thrill396]

Donovan just pissed he doesn’t have the experience or career of pulisic. It’s ok

[@Anipaper_]

Going to MLS would ruin his career. He's clearly a class player but he needs confidence. Demoting him to the MLS is such an awful move

[@TroijanSkinhead]

He's not world class.

[@BerserkRain]

​@@TroijanSkinheadI think that is why they didn't put world infront of class since typically class or decent is under world class

[@Anipaper_]

@@TroijanSkinhead I never said that

[@TribalScan.]

​@@TroijanSkinheadget good

[@drewhoffman1461]

He’s not as good as everyone thinks he is. I’m American but just because he’s from here doesn’t mean he gets a free pass. If he goes to Milan and doesn’t play then the move was a failure. Playing in the MLS is better than sitting on a bench in Italy.

[@oscarbaruch1]

This is the mentality that has led to the regression in the Mexican national team. Players don’t fight for their spot they just go back home for the money and the guarantee of starting even if it’s not best for their careers

[@ScrewyDriverTheMan]

Don't know how you can say it's a regression for the Mexican team when that team has DONE NOTHING at the World Cup or any big tournaments. The Concacaf doesn't count. You only have Mexico US and Canada in Concacaf who have anything at all, that they have to invite a team like Qatar to participate in the Gold Cup because it's a joke conference. Jamaica has come up a bit more recently due to its players playing more in England but Mexico has stayed stagnant and consistently the SAME. If Mexico had reached the Semis at the World Cup or something it would be different but they have been consistently about the same. Nothing has changed. So you should be happy that nothing has changed much. LMAO

[@tylerwill7259]

Definitely hit the nail on the head about Mexico

[@LordLobo52]

Donavon just wants to make mls relevant, maybe specifically to currently uninterested Americans. But Pulisic wont change that and mls would be terrible for his career

[@ScrewyDriverTheMan]

@@LordLobo52 Yup, Donovan is just a shill for the MLS, he's just there to say whatever needs to be said to promote the MLS

[@wallysan31]

@@ScrewyDriverTheManThere were tons of excellent Mexican players playing in Europe in the prior generation. Problem is more and more choose the easy money and stay in MX. Afterwards they don’t develop, and are embarrassed on the world stage. See 7-1 vs Chile in 2016.

[@linkon2946]

5:29 “it makes less and less sense the more you dig into Landon Donovan’s statement” 💀😂😂 what a line

[@meniemahmed2947]

Pulisic did the right thing as an Egyptian Mo Salah our king when things didn't workout for him in Chelsea he left to italy too then returned to Liverpool and look at him since then that's the way to do things u keep developing and proving yourself

[@neildurbin]

Exactly, I hope Pulisic earns a place in the group of superstars that Chelsea blew it with - Salah, KDB, Robben...

[@xburniesandersx]

Chelsea didn't blow it with Robben, he wanted to go to Real Madrid, Chelsea was a platform for Robben.

[@neildurbin]

@@xburniesandersx fair point, they only blew it with Salah, KDB, and soon to be Pulisic (who is the same age as Salah when he left)

[@meniemahmed2947]

@@neildurbin not only those guys Chelsea has the most impressive record when it comes to wasting talent Declan Rice , Nathan Ake and Jamal Musiala of Munich were released also by Chelsea and many more they will regret Mason Mount and Pulisic for sure the kids are really talented

[@SenCrypto]

Pulisic will be a constant sub at Milan behind Lao. There is no way Pulisic will a regular starter if Lao stays healthy.

[@lucashouse9117]

Why would pulisic come to mls? He's trying to get better. You only get better by playing against better competition. I'm sure he'll come to mls eventually but he's way too good to waste his talents in mls right now. So Landon calm down.

[@tevildo45]

Mls is his level

[@PrincetoonsYT]

@@tevildo45 which MLS player can make Courtois his dog and score in a UCL semifinal?

[@TunaStrata]

Because mls is almos as good as epl.

[@lucashouse9117]

@@TunaStrata no it's not.

[@tevildo45]

He scored one goal in a semi 2 years ago and because of that you act like he’s prime hazard. 3 different managers at Chelsea haven’t picked him because he’s physically fragile and his stats even when available are bang average. Divock Origi scored 2 goals in a champions league semi final and scored in the final but nobody thinks he’s good. Get over yourselves

[@notoriouseagle1074]

I want our top players at big clubs around Europe. I want our good players with potential to be in the MLS and become great players that go to Europe. Dempsey developed with New England, then went across the Atlantic and was a really good player.

[@pascho1057]

Hasn’t worked out so far with mckennie miazga pulisic julian green dest Richards etc

[@BSMAG87]

@@pascho1057 They're all pretty overrated (maybe not Pulisic, as he did seem like the real deal when he turned up at Chelsea, but two bad injuries have been catastrophic for him - not only has he lost confidence but quite a bit of pace as well)

[@dennisthemenace855]

​@@pascho1057huh ? all those guys are doing good overseas we just don't have a superstar yet

[@searchforlife9757]

Omg. Even pulisic training with Milan is better than starting for any MLS team.

[@nickdominic9103]

Alejandro should always be present wherever football is being spoken about in America television. One of the few up there at espn who seems to know a little football

[@taIkingtoawaII]

Facts

[@tucco2097]

That lady was really good too

[@tr_vmi4844]

He wanted another American star to "settle" by returning to MLS. "Justifying" his return instead of trying to make it in Europe. And that hurts me to say that since e'sone of my favorite USMNT players ever.

[@tr_vmi4844]

@@chrisfrank2664 You're correct. He had a good run in Everton, fans liked him, he just told the Galaxy he'd come back.

[@terry3252]

Donovan has a history of making idiotic statements in an attempt to get attention for himself

[@benwhealler4278]

I think Alexi Lalas has rubbed off on him too much. I also think LD is also trying to justify his own decision to come home through someone else. It’s craziness.

[@GordonCaledonia]

@@benwhealler4278 I recall Lalas saying USA would win the World Cup at one point? He's a clown. Football in the USA still has a long way to go to compete with the best teams in Europe. The Concacaf Champions League is nowhere near the quality of UEFA Champions League or the Copa Libertadores in South America. It's a diddy league in comparison. The North African teams are superior to the top Concacaf teams at present. 2025 Club World Cup will be interesting, might be awful, might be really exciting, but it was a huge error to host the inaugural 24-team format in USA, it should have been played in Europe. Very few people in Europe will stay up to watch those games and I doubt many Americans will watch it. Hopefully, it is good.

[@yddubbud8229]

@@GordonCaledonia Lalas and Donovan the clown duo belong in a circus

[@user-xw9zh2oh1u]

Landon Donavan couldn’t cut it in Europe, please don’t have Pulisic be like you. MLS is minor league soccer

[@6TheButcher]

As an american i can conform its very Minor 🤣🤣

[@CriusXI]

Tbh I enjoyed the LAFC vs LA Galaxy match

[@shannonballspen1s482]

We was fine at Everton and had a decent summer with Bayern but he wouldnt every really be a top player.

[@iandaley2295]

​@@shannonballspen1s482ya, it's really a shame that he never spent an extended time in Europe. He definitely stood out on an Everton side that was top half in the prem...

[@MM-eo1ot]

Wasnt Dempsey better?

[@boubacarbah1937]

Everyone is ignoring Pulisic biggest problem, which is his lack of availability and the fact that no manager at Club level has been able to rely on him. Until he gets over this, he will never cut it at the top level

[@albertohuerta2756]

yeah definitely needs to work on strength and conditioning, the rely part, even though it was short post pandemic he was one of the most important players on that chelsea squad and without his contribution I don't think that stay 4th to earn the chance that was able to take them to win the CL. He definitely needs to be more consistent though this will be his last opportunity to possibly be able to stay in Europe past this contract if he doesn't perform.

[@tobaepebinuade5830]

That’s exactly why many shouldn’t be shocked with why Christian Pulisic didn’t cut the mustard at Chelsea when a player gets injured every time how will managers depend on him he was unreliable at Borussia Dortmund as well and he’ll just never reach his true potential in Europe.

[@db7819z]

This injury narrative is BS though. No one says that about Reece James… he has missed more games than Pulisic.

[@MasterBetty69]

@@db7819zbecause James is consistent when fit.

[@asnark7115]

He also needs to switch roles to a 9 in a three man front, or a forward in a 2 man front. He has NEVER been played at the right position for his approach and skills.

[@jpdomingo7604]

A lot of professional lessons to be learned here. Think these guys are right - in life not just sports you have to find the right balance of a level where you still thrive but be pushed to grow. Not that it’s easy to find but the path forward can’t be drop to an easier comfort zone. That only will lead to regret and disappointment

[@jffffff]

💯💯

[@PawnsorKings]

The thing is, he didn't fail at Chelsea, Chelsea has been tail spinning for a few years and he was in a gigantic squad with way too many big names on huge contracts and so a player like him on smaller wages got benched so the new regime felt like their money was being used. He watched multiple good managers get fired before they could even get going and so he was never able to get a repute with any of them. People forget that he was a starter for them not too long ago and they won the Champions League. Other Premiere League teams wanted him but ultimately going to Italy was his guarantee of playing champions league every season and also I mean... you get a chance to move to Milan you take it.

[@deeplyingplaymaker8804]

He definitely failed! He was too frail and throws tantrums!

[@PawnsorKings]

@@deeplyingplaymaker8804 nope

[@jamisonfowler1863]

I agree and to pile on the big names at Chelsea have been in a downward spiral since the won Europe against City. He wasn’t the problem at Chelsea. I wish him the best of luck he is good enough to play in European leagues.

[@jonathanrs705]

You can be a fan of him all you want, but he failed at Chelsea. Maybe it’ll be different in Milan

[@accobra4272]

​@PawnsorKings he definitely failed at Chelsea and who told you he will be playing in CL with Milan? Do you have coaches 11 for the games from the roster?

[@jackstromberg5284]

its just such a horrific take from Donovan but this has always been his mantra. What is the benefit to the national team of bring Puli to MLS ahead of the next world cup? Makes no sense

[@shawn-zx9xt]

The guy was always a "soccer" player and way overrated.

[@TheMagicalSotos]

There’s a reason why some of us in the fan base called him Landycakes… soft at! Pulisic is going to break his record 😂

[@marcosjuarez1490]

In soccer theyre such things as club players and national players. Donovan was a national player and zlatan was a club player. End of the day all the soccer world cares about is the national team success, thats why Messi was critized until he won the world cup. Put respect on Donovan name.

[@frankrizzo9521]

@@marcosjuarez1490Donovan was a “big” fish is a very very very small USMNT pond. These new kids are clear of him in talent.

[@FormerPessitheRobberfan]

@@marcosjuarez1490 no dude. People don't rate national team success over club success. Karim benzema never won the world cup yet is considered a better striker than Olivier Giroud.

[@joshuaguevara1309]

@@FormerPessitheRobberfan terrible example

[@Kinlui1022]

Yeah like many had already mentioned here, one of the reasons Milan decided that they want him is that, besides the fact that they are losing Sandro Tonali and thus opening up a spot in the midfield perfectly fitting for Pulisic, he's still just 24 years old and have a chance to develop into something more. To echo Shaka, this might be his last chance to really be a top-level European league player and the sky is the limit for him. Don't be short-sighted.

[@ektran4205]

only if he's healthy

[@ScrewyDriverTheMan]

Smoking crack. If he couldn't fight his way at Chelsea, it won't change at Milan. If you're a great player, you just perform. And he is NOT.

[@mauriciorosas366]

Do you know which positions tonali and pulisic play? 😭 pulisic, the winger, is not the perfect fit to replace the midfielder workhorse that was Sandro tonali

[@Kinlui1022]

@@mauriciorosas366 Football isn't black and white. Look at how Pep moving his players around for strategy purposes. I guess you've never seen him filling in as number 10 in the center...? Fact is there's a starting role vacanted that needs to be filled, and I'm sure between the new arrival Loftus-Cheek, Bennacer and the youngster De Ketelaere, there'll be extra minutes here and there for Pulisic.

[@mauriciorosas366]

@@Kinlui1022 tonali wasn’t a 10 🤦🏽‍♂️ anyone with a football brain could tell you Brahim got recalled by madrid and pulisic could fill in there easily but naaaah y’all gotta try and make him out to be their next wonder kid like tonali 😂

[@martyc909]

I think having big US stars in MLS is huge for growth, but right now Pulisic is in his prime and needs to do for himself. Landon seems to be talking from the MLS prospective, and he’s not wrong from the MLS prospective.

[@marcosgutierrez9100]

Mmm, I think to maximize MLS growth, our best bet is to push our national team players in Europe and try and get European players over here.

[@martyc909]

@@marcosgutierrez9100 I think that’s great for US player development. This is the issue Liga MX is facing as they try to keep their players in MX. that hurt them as they had one of their most talented groups in the early 2010’s and they never grew. So going to Europe would have made everyone better. With that said, keeping everyone in MX was for the growth of Liga MX. it’s short sighted, but done because everyone wants to see their favorite players in their time zones, coming to their cities, playing on local TV and doing commercials with jerseys for teams the fans have heard of. To be real, the average fan doesn’t want to invest in a player on a team they’ve never heard of in a time zone that wouldn’t watch live. That’s the catch 22. Do you develop and get the benefits later, or cash in and keep you stars home and market the heck out of them now in hopes of getting new fans. If the answer was easy, US would have already been a huge soccer market.

[@jacoblind5390]

The only positive about Donovan’s comment was the look on Maurice Edu’s face when he said it. It was a “ what the f… is this guy talking about” face. He immediately pushed back on the idea.

[@ScrewyDriverTheMan]

Donovan is a shill for the MLS. He's their promoter. That's why he says these things. Not necessarily because he wants Pulisich back in the MLS

[@thejohngalt]

“Ceiling for Pulisic is higher than for Donovan” 🎯

[@thewayiseeit167]

So was the ceiling for Mario Mario Balotelli and Douglas Costa. Will and drive matters most.

[@Cyrus-rodn45]

​@@thewayiseeit167 balo is a treble winner. Donovan ain't sniff that yet. Also balotelli was class and world class. Man dragged Italy to a euro final. What Donovan has done that can compare

[@rqubed2603]

​@@thewayiseeit167Both were far better players and achieved far more than Landon could even dream about. No legitimate comparison.

[@thewayiseeit167]

@@rqubed2603 So what. For country Donovan performed. Better? What that even mean when it comes to what is produced.

[@thewayiseeit167]

@@Cyrus-rodn45 For America? Highest: Quarter Finals. You guys are obsessed with this Potential BS. Execution is everything not talent. Give Donovan this current team.

[@djchekoblaster]

He has solid positioning, but he will be able to shine in that attacking midfielder position since Leao and Messias/ Saelemaekers tend to hit that back line pretty fast, or even make runs towards the center. Give pulisic some space and I’m sure he’ll shoot. Exciting season for him and the team

[@ejyounggun08]

The next 18 months are crucial for him. 2026 may be 3 years away but if he's not playing in a year or not playing well then he'll need to reconsider his career.

[@arsenalmike1835]

Even so. There’s so many other teams in Europe that he could go to

[@Daddy._Life]

He wasn't playing at Chelsea and still was our best player at the WC and was involved in every single one of our goals

[@ejyounggun08]

@@Daddy._Life Absolutely but the pressure of hosting and playing on home soil is much greater than his previous experiences. The USMNT can't afford to have any of their starters be bench options in Europe...even Matt Turner. He will need to find another club.

[@ejyounggun08]

@@arsenalmike1835 Sure, Anderlecht and Montpellier will always be options but if you're gonna go backwards and make a move like that then you might as well come to MLS and get paid far more than those small clubs can afford.

[@arsenalmike1835]

@@ejyounggun08 Pulisic took a big pay cut going to Milan. So I don’t think money is his priority

[@mpagan15]

Pulisic will become what Donovan could never be.

[@thewayiseeit167]

Where? Not for USMNT.

[@supernice_auto]

@@thewayiseeit167 LOL pulisic was our best all around player at the WC and is on track to be our best player of all time

[@thewayiseeit167]

@@supernice_auto Best players have to produce for team. Donovan produced for team big time. Pulisic is on his way but let's not diss Donovan.

[@rqubed2603]

​@@thewayiseeit167You are being ridiculous. Pulisic has been quality for America. To act as if Landon was superior for USA is ridiculous.

[@rqubed2603]

​@@thewayiseeit167When hasn't Pulisic produced?

[@manwholaughs2477]

Not everyone aspires to be mid. Thinking like that is why it took so long for a US player to win the champions league. Pullisic is better at 24 than Donovan ever was. Your records come next Doni no one should remember you.

[@rodgermurphy5721]

5 goals in 7 world cup games was Donovan's record which is better than 90% of players

[@lionface1364]

​@@rodgermurphy5721better world Cup record...sure.....better player? Hmmmmm

[@cody3766]

I agree with your point but Jovan kirovski won it with dortmund in 97

[@messoussiahmed9910]

I'm french football fan and the only american players in history of football is london donovan and alexis lalas ! and the american goali with a pony tale but we forget his name, pulisic was a young prospect and a bench player since he plays for chelsea ! palmares is important but the contexte is more important this champions league was the Kai Harvertz goal champions league !

[@lionface1364]

@@abrahamjamess no cap, not a big fan of either but I don't see prime Donovan making the Chelsea or AC Milan squads like Puli

[@TheMalitz17]

Bandini makes a mockery of the show. Please continue to exclude him moving forward.

[@TheMalitz17]

*Mrs doubtfire

[@mrbuckmeister]

It's classic Landon. I am surprised he didn't tell him to take a sabbatical.

[@JosephMartin7]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@sbz88]

We should be encouraging players to get OUT of the MLS and test themselves overseas. Like what Pepi is doing with PSV. Pulisic has ambition and wants to compete on Europe's biggest stage, the UEFA Champions League.

[@riggityr5587]

💯

[@lucascassol2995]

On the money here, I’m a Sounders fan and I see my friends conflate the league as if it’s world class. It isn’t, as much as I have a bias for players like Jordan Morris because of my team I can’t deny he should have left years ago to become a better player. Hopefully the Donovan and Wondolowski era of American “exceptionalism” (mediocrity) is over.

[@arsenalmike1835]

Exactly one of the reasons for the disaster in 2018 was the mls players

[@phightinphil25]

@@lucascassol2995 Kellyn Acosta and Christian Roldan are two players who I think would have been benefitted by leaving MLS and playing somewhere in Europe even as backups for a while, they might never have been good enough to start at most clubs but I think they would be more complete and useful players if they had.

[@thewayiseeit167]

All I know is with these Euro league players we did not qualify for WC in 2018. Donovan's teams always did and also went further.

[@albertol9654]

MLS isn't a league to get better.. Its a league to retire and be comfortable with not being the best. Donovan wants him to follow his footsteps, but Donovan wasn't an elite player to be followed.

[@Jdubayou]

Especially when there is no relegation. A player can come get a bag to come play in the US and never have to deal with the humiliation of being relegated.

[@stephengragg7287]

Landon Donovan is the kind of person who would rehire Gregg Berhalter as the head coach of the US men’s national team

[@TeeO8080]

I liked him at Chelsea ....; I thought the reason for him being benched regularly was due to injuries he had? Good luck Pulisic.

[@jonathanrs705]

No He’s benched because he sucks.

[@daturdburglar2261]

We need our best players to play in Europe. It's just that simple if we ever want to actually compete at a national level and see our players reach their full potential on the pitch. That won't happen in MLS. There's a reason the rest of the world calls the league a retirement community.

[@Cultural-zp5mw]

Pulisic has a champions league under his belt, and yes, he did not have the impact most thought he would have at chelsea but he still however had much many more minutes and contributions that landon had in his entire european career. At borrusia dortmund pulisic was in outstanding form. Pulisic has 100% many years in europe left. He should not hang up his boots and go to a retirement league like landon did in his time when he did not find minutes at bayern and everton

[@MikeMike-bn9ys]

He right about not playing enough but to go back to MLS that’s crazy. He has the talent to be a starter at Milan full time.

[@Jdubayou]

Even if his time at Milan wasn’t a success there’s still like at least 5 other steps he could take before going back to the MLS. He could go back to a mid table premier league team and be a key player, Bundesliga, Eredivisie, French league. At that point he could also just go get stupid money to play in the Saudi league. They just gave a mediocre player like Jordan Henderson 700k a week, imagine how much Pulisic would get especially with him being the face of the sport in America. The Saudi’s would pay insane money to have some influence in the USA.

[@jonathanrs705]

He’ll be back where he belongs by mid season, on the bench.

[@Jdubayou]

@@dannytallmage2409 lmao my brother in Christ, Ajax and Feyenoord would destroy any MLS team. If you think otherwise there’s no point in conversing with you because you have negative ball knowledge.

[@pointeddown]

I think Landon was saying that an mls club should have gone after Pulisic, it would be mad to think someone would want Pulisic to pass on going to Milan for an MLS team? That’s nuts! Milan is a legendary club in world football.

[@PawnsorKings]

Landon keeps advising other players to avoid challenging themselves and to stick to easy leagues with big money like he did. Jordan Morris decided to follow Landon's advice and it ruined him. MLS is a trash league that will never go anywhere until there are consequences for mediocrity... which I can never see happening.

[@yddubbud8229]

Donovan lights are on but nobodys home🤣

[@KendellLittlejohn]

Chelsea should bear a big brunt of the blame for Pulisic...

[@tevildo45]

He should take some responsibility himself for once in his life. Always blaming the club the manager the this the that. If he flops at Milan there’ll be another pocketful of excuses

[@ConanTheContrarian1]

@@tevildo45 Do please note that commenters don't speak at Pulisic's instructions, these are their opinions, he himself has not spoken. Not that that will matter to inferior minds.

[@tevildo45]

You were literally comparing him to ronaldo in another comment. It’s not Xenophobic to point out reality. Pulisic is not a world class player. He hasn’t lived up to the hype. There’s been mitigating circumstances for sure but Chelsea has always been a club with a high turnover of managers that’s not new. He’s not a world class player and he will never be a world class player. No amount of emotional hysterics will change that

[@ConanTheContrarian1]

@@tevildo45 My, my. What a plethora of assertions, and not one piece of evidence to support them. Not only that, but you completely missed the fact that I was comparing the commenters' reactions, not the players' performances. Thank you for sharing.

[@bryseisme2]

Donovan's comments are the exact soft mentality we need to get rid of in the USMNT. Imagine if Argentine prospects were fine just dominating their league. They would never have won the WC.

[@thewayiseeit167]

Donovan was not soft bro. Put the pipe down.

[@ReesesPieces634]

Christian can play in the MLS, the "Rest Home League", when he turns 38.

[@Tony-Plinkett]

lol 🤣🤣🤣 👵🧓 Exactly!

[@dafyd201]

There's a difference between getting playing time and getting quality playing time. As good as Landon was, he could have been so much better if he had actually made good use of his time in Europe, fought for a position in the starting 11.

[@CG68810]

Donovan is exactly what is wrong with American Soccer. They have a low expectation mentality. Status Quo. Pulisic needs to be in Europe playing against the best in the world. The best in the world are NOT in the MLS. Just because Messi is now playing in the MLS does not mean that changes anything. Messi would NEVER have played anywhere other than Europe during his prime years (20-35). Donovan was too much of a baby to stay in Europe, so he ran home. There is a reason why the US has been stagnated for 30 years. They keep doing the same things over and over. There is no reason they should not be a world power in soccer. They have a large population, lots of resources and money. The world looks down at the US because of this mentality and lack of vision particularly when all of them (non-soccer powers) would love to have all the resources the US has so they can improve their teams to that level.

[@thewayiseeit167]

The problem with US soccer is pay to play. Donovan produced on the international level and never missed a WC. These Euro players missed 2018 and they have more "Talent". Football is simple. Score goals and defend. Pulisic gets fat of these weak Concacaf teams. I love him and his skill, but he is not focused on the club level and d it shows.

[@AJ-nd4nk]

​@@thewayiseeit167Football is not simple at the elite level. That's why football in America will never grow. At the highest level, it is like chess. Intricate tactics and philosophy of play. All the best coaches in the world are European, and some South American. The US needs to develop a football culture first, then there will be changes in style of play. Unfortunately that won't happen because you have a Basketball, American football, and baseball culture.

[@thewayiseeit167]

@@AJ-nd4nk F It is simple but not easy. Pep, Jose, and Jurgen prove it all the time. It's all about motion without the ball. We suck at this. US needs to develop a soccer culture so poor kids play like the other countries. Our kids are mostly from money or have dads in military. Donovan and Clint were not rich, and their drive was unstoppable. Pulisic is not focused. He has more talent than both not focused and has little drive. He reminds me of Douglas Costa. Very talented but mentally not tough.

[@yddubbud8229]

When Donovan lost his hair, he lost part of this brain as well

[@alex1vid]

Interesting. You know what happened with Donovan? in 2002, he was in MLS on loan from Leverkusen, because he wasn't playing. That was, IMHO, a GREAT move. Then between 2002 and 2006, he went back to Leverkusen for a few months, was miserable and abysmal in the UCL vs. Liverpool, and went to MLS. And... in the 2006 World Cup, he was rather disappointing. But then between 2006-2010, guess what? Donovan went to Munich for a minute, and Everton on a few loans I think and he was terrific in 2010. Bottom line, when you have to compete and fight, it's often a good thing for players. But in MLS, players like Pulisic will have an automatic spot. JUST LIKE Donovan did in LA, and JUST LIKE Michael Bradley did, etc. etc. Alejandro Moreno is right. Win your spot. And I think Pulisic is a different type of player/mentality. He's much more demanding to get to the higher level. Donovan was a good player and I'm not fully bought in on Pulisic but his mentality at this stage is ahead of Donovan's when Donovan was 24.

[@thewayiseeit167]

Wrong.

[@marcosgutierrez9100]

Just like the saying goes. "If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room."

[@alex1vid]

@@thewayiseeit167 Cool story. If you have an idea or reason, by all means... I'd be happy to pick it apart.

[@alex1vid]

@marcosgutierrez9100 neither here nor there but I agree/disagree (not a fan of that expression because sometimes the smartest guy in the room is exactly where he/she is supposed to be lol). But I agree with talent. If he's the best player in an ok league but has the potential for better, sure he'd maybe be in the wrong league.

[@yddubbud8229]

@@marcosgutierrez9100 Donovan will never be the smartest person in the room, evenwhen the room is empty🤣

[@rossg9361]

Nicky Bandini, ye couldnae tell. Great commentary too.

[@ascheuring1]

I agree that Christian should play somewhere that gives him the best opportunity as often as possible. But I also believe iron sharpens iron. The competitions he faces in Serie A or EPL will be better then beating up on MLS teams I thought Landon was gonna say something absurd by everyone’s reaction ….

[@user-nn3xc1tw3t]

I disagree with Donovan. As Pulisic still wants to play in high level of soccer, it would be a stupid decision for him to move to MLS right now. However, he might end up moving back home after the 2026 world cup. Just wait and see.

[@MarkChandler-fb1fm]

Playing at a high level and actually playing are 2 different things. He really didn't anything when he was at Dort or Chelsea. 26 goals in 145 games...He does good when he plays for the National team, maybe because there are a lot of games in the USA. 2026 will come real fast. Personally I wish the MLS would stop getting those old tired players that don't want to do anything for the game in the USA. I would rather see young players start here and then move overseas. But you are right it's his last chance to make an impact at Milan. Hopefully it works for him. Rather see him at West Ham, Brighton and so on.

[@user-nn3xc1tw3t]

​@MarkChandler-fb1fm You'd better wait and see if it's going to be good for him or not. Heaven knows. As I don't care about MLS soccer, I think playing with great players in Europe will be much better than doing here in the US. At least, he's making more money.

[@relaxationvibes7967]

He wants pulisic to have a miserable local career like him. He’s not recognized anywhere but in America

[@barcasocal10]

Completely idiotic statement. Donovan has been a strong believer in MLS. That’s been his cause. In Donovan’s day, he was one of the few Americans you’d want on any club.

[@thewayiseeit167]

are you high?

[@jeremypearson6852]

Coming back to the MLS is not an ideal move. He needs to be around world class players that can make you better. Unfortunately, it’s not in the MLS right now.

[@Tony-Plinkett]

After the lackluster performance of the MLS players representing the US in the Gold Cup, Pulisic should stay right where he is in Europe...

[@stevenygabbyperez695]

I agree we need some more America talent in MLS, but that should be players in lower leagues. Pulisic is a championship league level player. Maybe if he were 30 or older. One day, MLS will get to the level of players like this, but it is way too early. No one on the A team should he thinking about MLS.

[@GrassyThoughts]

They gotta add more teams or figure relegations. I think any player in MLS are kinda missing out without that pressure

[@stevenygabbyperez695]

@GrassyThoughts They have 30 teams, and pro/rel would effectively end MLS. There are other ways to increase intensity that don't vaporize the best league in the country. NBA and NFL figured out how to do it without pro/rel.

[@helloman3676]

@@GrassyThoughtsno they don’t…just needs better prospects or more importantly black people 😂😂😂 soccer is USA last last last option for any top athletes in the USA. They all rather choose track over soccer and no one watches track.

[@wuxiagamescentral]

Pulisic on the bench got better than he would have if he started every game in MLS

[@samhedges3890]

Will berhalter play cp10 at the 10 if that’s where he’s playing at his club? I could see him using it to force Reyna out if the lineup

[@liberalslayer7220]

What is she talking about Tomoti was class. Talk about Origi a bench warmer at Liverpool can be joined by a bench warmer from Chelsea.

[@paulorganisation1]

After seeing pulisic's stats, i won't blame donovan lol 😆

[@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464]

look at enzos fernandes or jao felix stats in chelsea 😂😂 chelsea makes good players bad.. ill wait till he plays in ac milan

[@mfjosh6422]

@@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464I’m a Milan fan but I’m just not sold on pulisic, can you tell me why? Maybe cause he’s American and I doubt how good he can be at this level. Help me out here

[@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464]

@@abrahamjamess yeah that was before he scored 24 goals for chelsea... hes improved but idk what level hes at since he could never show it at Chelsea.. so ill see how he does in Milan to judge wether hes just bad or if it was chelsea

[@uabforfindingthisbutalr6464]

@@mfjosh6422 nah you're right.. idk what level hes at.. he did alright for chelsea considering how awful chelsea are.. but idk if he will improve milan or not...

[@itunnu5103]

@@mfjosh6422 Well, the club owner wants him for jersey sales and marketing in America. They don't care if he's coming to improve Milan or not. God save us from another headache like that from CDK+Origi.

[@drewhopp1729]

Both players are/were fundamental to the US team. Unfortunately both are orange slice in different ways. Give me more Donovans

[@bishop316]

I saw the mock starting 11 they had on screen, they had Pulisic where Brahim Diaz was playing, he really has some big shoes to fill, and if he doesn't, Pioli isn't going to do him any favors and keep him in the lineup for long.

[@alex_romero19]

I agree with Landon; Americans have never thrived abroad. 2014 USA arguably the nation’s best World Cup squad performed so well because more than half were MLS with familiarity; style, pace, chemistry was evident on the pitch that tournament.

[@tobaepebinuade5830]

If Christian Pulisic doesn't work out at AC Milan, he's better off going to MLS, his time in European football should be over if he doesn't find some form at AC Milan. He has shown that he's a terrific player, being able to take on players, he has pace, change in direction and is excellent on the ball, but throughout his club career (yes he's the best player on the US national team), but at club level, he's been up and down and hasn't really reached the heights expected of him and he had too much pressure and expectation on him because Christian Pulisic was expected to be the first American superstar in Europe and so far his career hasn't taken the right trajectory at the highest level. During his time at Borussia Dortmund, he was still raw, he had lots of talent and showed glimpses of his potential, and yes he was frustrating and that was expected because he was so so young and he wasn't bad there and he just didn't take that step up in becoming a star. I honestly think that the move to Chelsea was too early in his career and it wasn't the right step in his career because if he stayed at Dortmund for a little longer, it would help his development and he would be ready for that big step. He was never ready for the premier league and he had a good first season at Chelsea, and in the season where they won the champions league becoming the first ever American to win Europe's most prestigious club trophy, he had some moments off the bench and contributed towards this run, he had some excellent moments in a Chelsea shirt, but overall his time there was a disappointment. After his move to the premier league, you would think that he was ready for that step up and responsibility in his career, but it was too premature as he never really got going at Chelsea and there are many factors in that. Injuries haven't been kind to him as he ended up missing so many games and even when he was healthy, he was unable to break into the starting XI, when he got a run of game time, he had some moments of brilliance but wasn't consistent enough and was spending too much time on the bench. Different managers saw the lack of consistency in Christian Pulisic's game and they saw that this was a player who couldn't stay healthy, the injury problems he had it was a risk to give him regular game time because when you lack that proper match fitness and you don't perform to a standard that was expected of you, how will managers trust the player and it's obvious that he's just not at the elite level for a club like Chelsea and a move to AC Milan could be a stepdown in his career, but it's a make or break move in his career. He seriously needs to start playing regularly he's 24 years old, he's been in the game for a while now, he has to deliver at Milan because if he doesn't his stock/reputation will continue to go down and down, no European club would want him and if he struggles there Christian Pulisic could end up in MLS before his 30s if he continues to look ordinary at another big club and it could happen because right now he needs to find his level and if he cannot find it in Milan, he should consider moving to MLS because right now that's his level.

[@Jdubayou]

I ain’t reading all that. Congrats or sorry that happened

[@jamesmarley687]

Problem with Pulisic is that he just isn’t as good as he was hyped A lot of the hype was because he was from The States, and the exciting potential of seeing a global football superstar from The USA is an exciting prospect But unfortunately the reality is his ceiling just isn’t as high as originally thought. He can be a good piece in the puzzle for some pretty big European clubs, but the idea he could ever be the main man for a top club fighting for Champions League titles every season (Like Real Madrid, Bayern, Man City) is just never going to happen in his career. Good player, but not a great one.

[@davidt3956]

Still missing the point, but Eurotrash usually do. He wasn't as great as the hype, but still looks good enough to play in one of the top teams in Europe rather than the MLS.

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

He already won a champions league dope. And played in the final. He was excellent in the CL.

[@maxmaxie1328]

Pulisich is top dog.

[@jamesmarley687]

@@sterlingmarshel6299 He played 20 minutes of the final for fresh legs. If you read the comment I clearly state he is a good player, but could never be the main man in a top European side. He could never be a top clubs marquee player starting every game.

[@tevildo45]

You can’t reason with these yanktards. Divock origi played, scored and won a champions league final, he’s European and nobody thinks he’s good

[@Nnnuuk]

Does the 'AC' in 'AC Milan' stand for After Chelsea?

[@MrKyledane]

The American soccer public would NOT love Christian to MLS. We've come to a point where MLS fans largely recognize that the top 4 Euro leagues are where we want as many of our National Team players to be as possible. Landon is actually the poster boy among knowledgeable US soccer fans of what NOT to do.

[@MrKyledane]

@dannytallmage2409 Read the room, dude, and by that I mean the comments on this post and throughout the US soccer sphere. What I said will echo what people think across this space, whether they don't have a sports letter to their name or they have 100 caps.

[@carlosguerra8557]

Pulisic already has a better career at 24. Tell that grumpy chump we don’t want mediocrity anymore!

[@thewayiseeit167]

Not at the international level.

[@jackied962]

This is big move for Christian because if it doesn't work out, I could see him coming to MLS. He's at the age where it's no longer about potential but having to produce.

[@tobaepebinuade5830]

MLS is his level right now and after what happened at Chelsea, this AC Milan is make or break in his career. He's 24 years old and in your career when you play for these big clubs, you have to perform, you can't continue having excuses as to why you cannot cut it at this level. At Chelsea, he struggling was understandable of course injuries don't help as it affects your performance level and confidence on the pitch, at Milan he cannot have those same problems, if he'll get game time. This is Christian Pulisic's last chance at a top club and he has MLS written all over him if Milan decide that this player won't be useful for this team different managers at Chelsea like Frank Lampard Thomas Tuchel Graham Potter never fancied him in the first team on a consistent basis because they couldn't rely on him, can't count on him and he has to find his level at AC Milan because by the time you know it, he could be outside of Europe and I could see that happening as well, if he doesn't improve in Serie A.

[@kevinmatthew1050]

​@tobaepebinuade5830 no way is MLS hus level. He's easily good enough to play in Europe. His only downfall is he's injury prone. It's the same as Gio. All the talent in the world but hard to get consistent mins when you are always hurt.

[@presidentcovfefe]

⁠​​⁠You’re being obtuse. No way is Pulisic MLS quality. At worst his quality matches that of mid to low table clubs in the top 5 leagues. If he gets worse then maybe he plays in China or something I don’t fkn know. Just because he’s American doesn’t mean he’s bound to MLS haha. He’s 24 he still has a lot of time to build a decent European career if he can just be consistent. Anything else is just self sabotage for no reason whatsoever.

[@Mac10Demarco]

I completely agree with your last sentence. Most of the US soccer fans are babying the players a little too much and want them to develop. Most are at the age where they need to be producing as you said. And they should worry about getting consistent at a club, not worrying about the World Cup in 3 years. If that’s their mindset, they’re not gonna have a good tournament at all.

[@fleshkilla999]

@@presidentcovfefe you're insane if u think Pulisic is euro level...every time he was on the pitch he looked lost...he is absolutely 100% a MLS quality player...if that.

[@steveralston8837]

Yeah, sitting on the bench 70% of the season at Milan is much better than actually playing somewhere else. People are pretty smart.

[@neilcoles1780]

"channel your inner Gab"😂😂😂😂

[@maxdamion1]

That dude again😂

[@SCGEO10]

Donovan is STILL the best American player ever. Simple.

[@FarpostFootball]

Yes Donovan - let's make him better for the next World Cup by playing in the MLS instead of a Serie A team headed to the Champions League... great logic

[@jayh3283]

It would be great for a MLS marketing perspective, however, it would be a major disaster for Pulisic’s potential. MLS offers nothing for Pulisic to be considered.

[@naldo9213]

Donovan still has to apologize for what he did to Marvin Lee, what a disgrace, took out the player, Marvin never recovered and passed away later on. Donovan should have been banned and charged after that

[@cesnav7593]

Donovan was 5’8 and 155. Lee was 6’2 and 225 lbs. you blame Donovan for “taking him out”??? It was a freak accident in which Lee out his head down, exposing his neck and spine. Donovan was carried off as well and had a broken rib. There was no intentional malicious intent on the part of Donovan.

[@LHBH8]

‘Nicky’ Bandini used to go by a different name I think…..

[@potheadesens8725]

Paolo Bandini

[@marianogarcia8450]

I like how honest donovan is. A lot of these American players get put into huge teams where there is a chance they won't get enough playing time. Not a pulisic fan but he's also not an MLS player either

[@dirkbogarde44]

Oh god...they've got the bloke pretending to be a bird on.

[@RayBowie93]

Looks more like a literal bird of some kind than a woman with that hair😂

[@Daniel-cx6zw]

Paolooooooo

[@umbertoortoli4900]

remember everyone blamed and criticized Klinsmann when he said that American players needed to play in Europe in order to compete against the BIG teams of the world. He was 100% right. Pulisic Buona Fortuna.

[@rodgermurphy5721]

Nobody ever criticized Klinsmann for saying the obvious about players in Europe

[@colinwest8658]

The best US players should be playing in Europe. Not playing against lesser talent in the MLS. The entire US roster should be international players who are competing in Europe. Donovan is just a mouthpiece for the MLS now.

[@subifyouhatetiktokandreddit234]

It is so Jarring and cringe to see Paolo "Nicky" Bandini masquerade as a schoolgirl 😂

[@eL--RaL]

💀💀😂👀

[@MbappeDaGoat]

You have 1000 + comments on this channel. People who are on the internet this long tend to be hateful and in poor physical shape, just saying....

[@MbappeDaGoat]

Another guy with 1k +comments. Noticing a trend. I pray you both are under 18. This is another level of joblessness

[@subifyouhatetiktokandreddit234]

​@@MbappeDaGoat 😂 Me believing in biology and science makes me hateful? 🤣

[@subifyouhatetiktokandreddit234]

​@@MbappeDaGoat Very funny to see you defending Paolo and having and Mbappe pfp. He dates one of them

[@gavisznarrestfdj9331]

I try not to be transphobic because she is a person at the end of the day but everytime Nicky is on the show, i cant watch.

[@CristianoRonaldo-pl2nr]

W

[@anonymous2428]

it’s just weird isn’t it?😂

[@SuperMan-pv9fi]

Then don’t watch?

[@GoDawgs18]

First time I’ve seen him on the show, Im with you

[@subifyouhatetiktokandreddit234]

T r a n s p h o b i c = Intelligent and Logical

[@brianordille13]

Chelsea's fault for trying to sub Pulisic on every match and they finished where they finished because of these kind of bad moves, MLS isnt nearly as tough as Serie A, this will only benefit Pulisic and make him a better and more confident player in the world cup, Landon tripping

[@MarkChandler-fb1fm]

Landon could of stayed at Everton if he wanted. He choose not to. Personally for me I'm glad he went to the Galaxy, because I live in Sothern Ca.

[@RandyDerp]

A club in transition 👀👀👀👀

[@BirdLives7]

​@@eL--RaL🤡

[@LHBH8]

No ones talking about the obvious elephant in the room?

[@droopdanke2323]

Yes Paolo Bandini

[@ruvian]

I haven't been a fan of Donovan, never thought he was was the best American player and was just hyped up by the media. Donovan could stick with a team in Europe. There is no reason for Pulisic to come and play in MLS. IF Pulisic was having trouble signing with a team I would agree, but when you have one of the biggest teams in Serie A why move backwards to the MLS? Pulisic has gotten better because he has been playing in the best leagues of the world. For someone to talk about playing time is not looking at the entire situation. Look at the training he is receiving at the clubs, iron sharpens iron. Chelsea might have been a bad move for Pulisic but the AC Milan is a good move for him though.

[@keithdecker3852]

If he wants to be world class the MLS is not the answer. The commentators have it exactly correct!

[@droopdanke2323]

Paolo Bandini is back in his cosplay! 😂

[@mebrahtomgebremeskel5307]

Nicky bandini not paolo😢😢😢

[@gamemasteroffun]

Honestly I think he’s going to do really well. He plays very well as a CF. He’s an inverted winger at heart. Combine that with his speed and italys Catenacio style and his ability to draw fouls. I wouldn’t be surprised if here in 3 years he’s sold to Madrid, PSG or Barcelona

[@ethanlockwood8195]

Lmao delusional. You saw how well he did at 12th place Chelsea. You think he’s going to do better and improve his value at Milan while competing with better players for minutes?

[@macro4926]

⁠@@ethanlockwood8195the thing is that he almost never played this season, he had a bad season because he wasn’t allowed a season at all.

[@cacaf8989]

training at ac milan will prepare him better for the world cup than playing in the MLS

[@louroc425]

We're not beating quality, by hiding from quality in a lesser league. I absolutely adore Landon, its upsetting to hear him speak this way.

[@andymullins84]

Heck no. I don't blame him for promoting the MLS. But CP would be crazy to go to mls right now

[@yddubbud8229]

maybe in about 14 years

[@johannsebastianmastropiero8636]

Why the false dilemma? AC Milan vs MLS is kind of like saying well if I can't have my own private jet then I'll take the 3 days trip on the cheapest bus. There's a lot in between. Why not the likes of Brighton, Villarreal, Betis or dozen of perfectly good clubs that aren't necessarily packed with superstars. May I remind you that most of the Argentina squad didn't and doesn't play for the super teams. Lo Celso is at Villarreal, Enzo Fernández was at Benfica, macallister at Brighton, Julian Álvarez was a sub for Man City, Emi Martínez at Aston Villa IIRC. Most of the squad made of players playing for good but not super clubs in Europe. Of course you have Messi, but my point is still valid. There's also this disaster mentality that if a player has a bad spell at a club then it's a catastrophe. Riquelme couldn't make it in Barcelona ended in Villarreal, Di Maria had a bad season at Man Utd ended in Psg, De Bruyne didn't perform well at Chelsea either... And you could sort of add Messi at Psg to that list. A lot of players have a slump in their careers but that doesn't mean they are bad. It took Samuel eto' years before he clicked on Mallorca allowing him to flourish in Barcelona. And the list goes on and on. So there are thousands of option for Pulisic before the MLS.

[@coreyaf.]

It has been an honor to play w/ Landon and Alex

[@yddubbud8229]

anybody else would be embarrassed at what they have become

[@vickymendez782]

“Bring him back, he’s already surpassed any of us”

[@johndurrer7869]

7:41 there are more Chelsea players on that club than there currently are on Chelsea

[@ericjones7300]

Rigui Puig moved from Barcelona to the MLS. Yeah, he's getting lots of minutes now...and his chances of being called up to the Spanish national team are far worse now than when he sat on the bench at Barca. And odds are he'll never play in Europe again. MLS isn't where you go to grow as a player. It's where you retire.

[@sterlingmarshel6299]

Stupid take. You can go to the mls then back to Europe. Jack Harrison is perfect example.

[@arsenalmike1835]

Actually I can see Puig going back. Barca let him go and bought J Alvarez 😂

[@ericjones7300]

@@arsenalmike1835 With the abundance of midfield talent Barca has, there's no way they'll take him back, especially after playing in the MLS for several years. If he's starting and doing well in Serie A or the Premiere League, it would be a different story. There's a reason he ended up in MLS: Zero interest from European teams.

[@hamptonslate9423]

This mentality is literally the main factor as to why the USMNT has struggled to develop over the past decade. Everyone involved in US Soccer is more worried about pushing the brand and glory of the MLS than doing what is actually best for the players and their development.

[@Aitch2020]

If the USMNT are relying on Pulusic for glory then they are barking up the wrong tree. He has done zero at club level in terms of leadership and being a player the team can rely on. It takes more than Flashes of potential to be considered at the same level as the likes of donovan and dempsey. Same can be said for Timothy Weah and the mummies boy Reyna.

[@customincisivecomment]

I used to love Landon

[@kyleprather7228]

Donovan was talking from a USMNT team fan perspective. It indeed would be great for MLS especially with Messi coming in to have our best player in his prime here in MLS. But too many are stuck on idea that if u dont olay in Europe ur trash

[@davidmiddleton6479]

Sure send him back to the mls so he can regress. He needs game time against the best. He’ll get that in Milan. No chance playing for Austin fc or galaxy. Donovan is high on his on supply

[@TheDynastking]

Consistent playing time devoid of any major injuries that keeps him on the bench for a long time and these talks will disappear.

[@RandySnortin]

The water boy we call him at the bridge bobby bushay