Soccer coaches should emphasize teaching young players the importance of driving at defenders with the ball. One player who exemplifies this skill is Christian Pulisic. These days, it’s hard to find someone who does it better. Young players should take note and learn to dribble like Pulisic. Drive right at defenders at speed. Eat up the space with the ball at your feet.
In a recent game against Inter Milan, Pulisic showcased this dribbling ability. When Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter tried to chest the ball down in midfield, Pulisic immediately seized the opportunity, pounced on the loose ball, and went straight at the defense. He split between two defenders and managed to get a crucial touch as they closed in on him, resulting in AC Milan taking an early lead in the derby.
CHRISTIAN PULISIC STRIKES IN THE DERBY FOR MILAN!! đź”´ pic.twitter.com/6kfTjnaLPc
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 22, 2024
However, this style of play—dribbling directly at defenders is something you don’t see often enough in modern soccer. Players today are often more focused on maintaining possession with quick, short passes, but it’s the unexpected moments, like a daring dribble, that create real opportunities.
When Pulisic drives forward with the soccer ball, it’s a sign of his growing confidence. This attacking mentality is something he’s had throughout his professional career and is what makes him a standout.
One might argue he is the best American soccer player ever, even surpassing legends like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. The next big challenge for him is to lead the U.S. to unprecedented heights in the World Cup, possibly even to the semifinals.
Now playing for AC Milan, Pulisic looks settled, confident, and effective, scoring and assisting regularly. Will he become one of the top players in the world? He’s still young and approaching his prime, so time will tell. He’s just 26 though.
But back to the core skill of dribbling at defenders. Soccer coaches should prioritize it more in their training. The modern game may emphasize passing, but moments of brilliance often come when a player dares to take on a defender and opens up space.
Pulisic’s style evokes memories of legendary dribblers like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, who weren’t afraid to dribble almost the length of the field and score. It’s possible Pulisic could produce such magic, especially with the World Cup coming to the United States. It could happen! Pulisic doing one of Mess’s trademark mazy runs.
For young players learning the game, don’t shy away from dribbling. Start with basic soccer drills, like weaving through cones. Use one foot at a time, keep the ball close, and go slow until you get comfortable. These foundational soccer skills, which Pulisic no doubt practiced and mastered as a kid, can lead to success at the highest levels. Now, he’s doing it for AC Milan. Winning the ball, driving at defenders, and scoring goals.
