Like numerous football outlets, IMOTGP profiled Christian Pulisic not too long ago. Well we are happy to report that with Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel opting to switch up his lineup ahead of a Europa League trip to Anfield, it was the teenage superstar's time to start in Sunday's Revierderby - one of the biggest games in world football.
That's right - one of the biggest games in football and a United States teenager was a starter in it. It's been described as as a ferocious battle known for its 'History of Violence'. For those who don't know, the opponent Schalke FC is considered Hertha's biggest rival. And it's one of the biggest rivalry games in world football.
But we digress since our man Pulisic was simply sensational! He had the visiting supporters jumping for joy as he dominated proceedings with his pace, skill and acumen.
A 2-2 thriller saw Pulisic come off for Ilkay Gundogan in the second half, as BVB pushed for a match winner. Afterward, the talk of the match was not about how Dortmund's Bundesliga title hopes are over or about the goals but was about Pulisic.
Said coach Thomas Tuchel: "In regard to Christian Pulisic and his pace and courage, we found a lot of gaps when on the attack and we were able to play out a few decent chances." That wasn't all Tuchel had to say as he mentioned Pulisic as one of the positives of the match and added more.
Said Tuchel: "He’s a teenager in his first year of professional football. His first two games in the starting eleven were in Leverkusen and here today in Schalke – not the easiest of tasks. It shows our huge appreciation that we see him as a full time player on our team. He was a valuable substitute against Werder Bremen and Liverpool. He has looked really good recently which has been proved today. It is completely normal that he could not have played with this pace and this intensity for over 90 minutes."
Pulisic himself took the time to do an interview with Bundesliga.com and IMOTGP has some of his exclusive comments!
(On starting the derby) "It's always a great time, especially to play in a derby like this, this is my first time. The emotions are all there, it's a really fun game to play in, to be a part of."
(On the nerves of playing in the Revierderby): "Of course, you always have a little bit of nerves, it's a big game, yeah, I'm a young player but I'm confident in myself and just to go out and do what I can do to help the team win. They trust me and I trust all of them."
(On his chance at goal in the 23rd minute): "My eyes kind of lit up, I saw the goal there and at first I was looking for the pass but I knew I had to shoot looked like the goalie got a little bit of touch on it and saved it but yeah, it happens. Hopefully the first goal will come soon."
(On facing Liverpool next): "We're really excited for the challenge against Liverpool, we know it's going to be a great game so we're all really excited about it."
IMOTGP FAKE QUOTE ALERT BELOW
(On Jurgen Klinsmann) "Jurgen is a great coach, way better than Tuchel since he coached Bayern Munich! And who can argue with a fourth-place Gold Cup finish and seven points from four matches in a tough World Cup qualifying group with Guatemala? We feel we are on the cusp of big things in Russia but only if we listen to everything Jurgen says since he has a grand plan to pair me in central defence with Gyasi Zardes."
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