Both excel at beating defenders, providing assists, and scoring goals. The Turkish talent, Yildiz, still has significant potential to develop, while the American, Pulisic, has reached his full footballing maturity.
The clash between Juventus and Milan will feature a fascinating long-distance duel between two highly talented forwards: Kenan Yildiz and Christian Pulisic. Yildiz, a Turk born in Germany, and Pulisic, an American with Croatian roots, embody an interesting fusion of cultures and footballing styles. Yildiz`s innate genius has been shaped by German physicality and discipline, while Pulisic`s technical prowess has been amplified by American pragmatism.
Contrasting Styles and Qualities
The primary distinction between the two players is age, with Yildiz being seven years Pulisic`s junior. This age gap translates into differing career stages: Yildiz is a promising star in the making, possessing the potential to become a true superstar, though he isn`t one yet. Pulisic, conversely, is an established champion, a complete player, but perhaps won`t reach the `superstar` echelon, which denotes a higher level of impact. Their physicality also sets them apart: Yildiz, taller (1.85m vs. 1.77m) and more robust, displays greater power, while Pulisic is more agile.
Their on-field roles are equally distinct. Yildiz, a classic number 10, bears the weighty Juventus jersey, a symbol of legends like Sivori and Platini. He currently plays starting from the left, drifting between wing and center. Pulisic, a more wide attacker, in Massimiliano Allegri`s new Milan (with a 3-5-2 formation), operates as a second striker, alongside Gimenez or soon Leao. His number 11, historically associated with the left winger, carries less historical burden than Juventus`s number 10. Pulisic is primarily right-footed but also adept with his left, whereas Yildiz is ambidextrous.
Another clear difference lies in their goal-scoring inclination: Pulisic is more predatory, constantly seeking the net, as evidenced by his statistics (0.35 goals per game with Milan) compared to Yildiz`s (0.19 with Juventus). However, Yildiz`s youth suggests this trend could easily reverse.
Shared Strengths
Their shared ability to beat opponents is a defining characteristic. While both are excellent dribblers, their styles diverge: Yildiz is more elegant and mesmerizing in his dribbling, whereas Pulisic is more direct and incisive. Shooting is another quality they both possess. Yildiz boasts a powerful and accurate long-range shot, which he still underutilizes. Pulisic, on the other hand, is lethal and quick, striking with that early touch that catches goalkeepers off guard.
Both exhibit excellent adaptability, capable of playing any offensive role, and could even serve as quality “false nines” if needed. It`s not blasphemous to imagine Yildiz in a role similar to Totti`s under Spalletti at Roma, a number 10 functioning as a center-forward. Pulisic has the profile, physique, and qualities of a cunning central striker with an innate sense of goal. He could follow a path akin to Paolo Rossi, the right winger who transformed into a center-forward and conquered the world. Pulisic carries the imprint of a wide player, clearly developed in that position, but has learned to cut inside and converge, making it difficult for defenders to anticipate his moves.
The final and perhaps most crucial commonality concerns assists: both genuinely enjoy providing them. For a number 10 like Yildiz, an assist holds the same value as a goal. Pulisic, in this regard, is more pragmatic than hedonistic, delivering an assist only when he deems it the optimal choice. These nuances highlight that forwards who can both create and finish are twice as valuable.
The Current Landscape
Currently, the situation appears to favor Pulisic. Milan is on an upward trajectory and has the chance to challenge Juventus at the Stadium this Sunday. A defeat would plunge Igor Tudor`s team, fresh off four consecutive draws in both league and Champions League, into a critical situation, reminiscent of Thiago Motta`s struggles. Conversely, if Milan were to falter, a second setback in six league matches and less than two months of the season would raise questions about their Scudetto aspirations.
Pulisic operates within a more defined tactical system, with Luka Modric orchestrating play behind him—a playmaking figure absent from Juventus. Yildiz, therefore, must assume the role of self-orchestrator and direct Juventus`s offensive play. He is capable, but this added responsibility might drain his energy and creativity. For Juventus, much will also depend on the presence of Bremer. In his absence, Pulisic would gain another advantage. Today, the American thrives in a more favorable environment, but in football, it takes little to overturn perceptions and predictions. A single moment of brilliance from Yildiz`s feet could bridge many gaps.
