pbp thread is here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/threads/pulisic-on-the-bend-gladbach-vs-dortmund-2-18-2018.2081274/
CP looked pretty good when he came on around the 75th. Dortmund were barely hanging on for most of the second half and the field was equal or less than the quality you may see in some Central American countries. Batshuayi cooled off a little, but still looked active and capable. The DM players and back four are in dire need for some recovery work. Worse so, the three AM positions just need to get in better shape. I can’t see many midfield players in this squad playing in any of the hot teams right now.
I’m taking the “clearing house” statements seriously more each game that goes by. It wouldn’t surprise me if Pulisic is sold off to finance a big overhaul. He’s been important but not so much that he’s indispensable. This team is clearly washed out when it comes to running and transition. The only thing I can conceive of as to why they haven’t fixed the transition game is that the players can’t play at that high of a demand. Pulisic hasn’t been great in transition really either but at 19 he should be able to snap out of it and is generally good in attacking transitions.
Dullmund allowed 28 shots, 11 on goal and held 47% possession. And they bored the hell out of everyone. But they won! 1-0...it was crap football.
Only if he wants to leave. Can't sell a player without his permission. And everything I've heard is BVB is trying to sign him to a new contract.
Meh, it wasn't as bad as all that. There were parts when it looked like the "band" may be getting back together just in time for the WC. First time in forever Reus and Gotze started together, and they looked "just off," but showed signs of being something special once again. Schurrle may be playing himself back into form. Bats looked to be off the pace after his fiery Dortmund start. Probably a wee bit tired with ~270 mins in 8 days. Castro, though SMH. A bit player at best at this level.
Well, bottom line, this team has had no place in the Champions League this year obviously. If they were to play former coach Juergen Klopp’s team they would be demolished in transitional play. This is the second place team in Germany and they look really bad.
I doubt they sell him unless he refuses to extend and/or asks for a transfer. They have a CL contending attack if they can keep Bats or get a like replacement and keep Reus healthy. The defense is a shambles with such an inconsistent keeper and a makeshift backline.I also think Castro messes Weigl up, as Weigl plays poor when with Castro, and Castro plays poor with everybody. They need to buy Taj or Tah(sp?) and Akanji may grow into the role. They need a true top flight keeper, a two footed back up fullback and two CM's. Get rid of Weidenfeller, Rode, Castro, Sahin, Schmelzer, and maybe even sick note Guerreiro.
They have some of the best defenders in Europe. Everyone wants Weigl to be good, but he really is not. Castro comes up with a good game once in awhile. The biggest problem they have is to actually get the attacking midfield to defend. That goes for Pulisic, Schurrle, Reus, Kagawa, Gotze, Isak, etc... They simply either cannot run or choose not to run.
He would be a good fit at Liverpool. Not to be a homer, but things are running nicely there and he could get a pay upgrade. The home fans are some of, if not, the best in England. I’ve been there personally and it’s a phenomenal pitch and atmosphere. I don’t know that he would play much because he is so poor in transition to defense. I don’t think he’d make it in a pressing team. He could learn though... he’s young.
Would not be happy if he goes to ManU or Chelsea. A few bad run of games and you end up riding pine there. Liverpool might be a little more forgiving.
The whole team has been this season. I have seen him play with the US and be poor too. I’m calling it as I see it.
Pulisic and Dortmund in general have seemed pretty hamstrung by the lack of a high level distributor and someone to open up the field ever since Dembele left. One of CP's best attributes is how great he is at making dangerous runs with his speed and ability to find soft spots in the defense, and they just don't really have anyone with the vision and passing ability to take advantage of it right now. He needs a Stockton to his Malone. Dortmund have lost so much talent to transfers over the last 18 months or so and they haven't done a good job of replacing it as the Schurrle, Philipp, Gotze, and Yarmolenko signings have all been pretty underwhelming. They're still sitting on a pile of cash after the Dembele and Auba transfers though. Hopefully they make a run at a good young CM at some point.
With Dahoud they have one of the best central midfield talents in the world. It will be very hard to find someone better. They need to utilize him, though but Stöger plays to destroyer with Castro and Weigl.