As the football world casts its gaze towards the nascent 2025-26 preseason, a familiar narrative begins to unfurl: tactical experimentation. Yet, AC Milan’s initial friendly against Arsenal in Singapore offered a particularly intriguing twist. Under the recently returned stewardship of Massimiliano Allegri, American star Christian Pulisic, long celebrated for his wing play, was deployed in an unfamiliar, advanced role. While the Rossoneri succumbed to a narrow 1-0 defeat, courtesy of Bukayo Saka, the real headline wasn’t the scoreline but rather the tactical blueprint Allegri began to sketch, prominently featuring Pulisic in a striking partnership.
The Striker Shortage and a New Formation
The decision to shift Pulisic from his customary wide berth into the heart of the attack was, predictably, born out of necessity. With the departures of Luka Jovic and Tammy Abraham upon contract expiry in June, and 23-year-old Lorenzo Colombo eyeing a loan spell, AC Milan found itself temporarily light on traditional number nines. The return of Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez in early August promises future relief, but Allegri, ever the pragmatist, wasn`t one to wait. He opted for a 3-5-2 formation against Arsenal, placing Pulisic alongside Rafael Leao in a dual-striker setup.
This tactical pivot is less a revolutionary declaration and more a calculated response to immediate squad dynamics. Preseason, after all, is a laboratory for coaches, a canvas for ideas that may or may not translate to competitive fixtures. In this specific experiment, Pulisic found himself operating predominantly on the left side of the attack, a zone where he has historically thrived, even if his recent years at Milan saw him more often on the right wing in a 4-3-3 system.
Pulisic`s Performance: More Than Just Touches
Despite not registering a shot in his 45-minute stint, Pulisic’s performance in this new capacity offered glimpses of potential. His 34 touches in the first half underlined his involvement, primarily congregating on the left flank where his natural instincts as a winger could still influence play, even from a more central starting position. This fluid interpretation of the “striker” role allowed him to drift, link up play, and essentially act as a hybrid between a false nine and an inverted winger.
One notable beneficiary of this setup appeared to be Rafael Leao. With Pulisic occupying a more central, albeit flexible, role, Leao seemed liberated, afforded greater freedom to roam across the attacking third without bearing primary defensive responsibilities. This could be a significant development for Milan`s attack, potentially unlocking even more of Leao`s explosive talent, especially once a dedicated number nine returns to the fold.
Looking Beyond Singapore: Implications and Irony
The immediate takeaway from any preseason friendly should always be tempered with a healthy dose of perspective. These matches are about fitness, integration, and tactical exploration, not definitive declarations. Yet, Allegri’s willingness to repurpose Pulisic suggests a flexible approach to squad utilization. Could Pulisic`s new role be a permanent fixture? Unlikely, given the impending arrival of more traditional strikers. However, it certainly adds another dimension to his versatile skill set, making him an even more valuable asset in Allegri`s tactical arsenal for the demanding season ahead.
For AC Milan, the 2025-26 season will be crucial. With no European commitments after last campaign`s disappointment, their focus is squarely on domestic success and, critically, a return to Champions League qualification. Every tactical tweak, even in August, will be scrutinized under this ambitious objective. As for Pulisic, this experimental stint also offers food for thought for the USMNT coaching staff. The ability to perform effectively across multiple attacking roles only enhances his national team value, offering strategic depth beyond his traditional wing duties.
The friendly itself, a 1-0 loss followed inexplicably by a penalty shootout (which Milan won 6-5, thanks to goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani`s heroics), was a stark reminder that even in a controlled environment, football always finds a way to surprise. As Milan prepares to face Liverpool in their next preseason challenge, the discussion will undoubtedly continue: was Pulisic’s new role a one-off improvisation, or a subtle hint at the tactical evolution to come?
Only time, and perhaps a few more preseason friendlies, will reveal the true intent behind Allegri`s tactical musings. For now, Christian Pulisic`s brief tenure as a quasi-striker serves as a fascinating footnote in AC Milan`s 2025-26 preseason narrative – a testament to a coach`s willingness to adapt and a player`s capacity for versatility in the ever-evolving landscape of modern football.
