GOAL US writers discuss individual accolades for Robinson, Pulisic's hold on USMNT GOAT status, and importance of Supercoppa Italiana win
The accolades for Antonee Robinson are adding up. USMNT truthers will tell you that it's been a long time coming.
Robinson is a very good full back and in a global pool currently short on them, is cutting his way into the elite. That was all backed up by the fact that he was named U.S. Soccer's Male Player of the Year on Sunday. But with Christian Pulisic also at the top of his game, was that the right choice? And does it matter, if there are more to come for Pulisic, who has already claimed that U.S. award four times, tied with Landon Donovan for most in program history?
Also, there's a January USMNT camp at hand. With it falling outside of a FIFA window, the roster is full of the kinds of MLS players that manager Mauricio Pochettino has always insisted he would give a chance. Sure, the friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica won't mean as much, but chances are, a few new faces might have an opportunity to impress.
And Pulisic finally returned to action following an injury layoff. He was excellent in the Supercoppa Italiana semifinal for Milan last week, and contributed to two of the three Rossonieri goals in a comeback win Monday as Milan beat Inter.
But how much can we take from the trophy, Pulisic's first with Milan? Or is it more about Pulisic being back, and handed the chance to impress in front of new manager Sergio Conceicao? GOAL US writersbreak it all down in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
Getty Images SportWas Antonee Robinson the right choice for USMNT Player of the Year?
Tom Hindle: This is a curious one. Robinson has been outwardly excellent in the final months of 2024, and quietly excellent before then. Simultaneously, though, Christian Pulisic is the star man of this side, and the U.S. tend to go as far as he can take them. There's probably a little recency bias involved, but Robinson just about deserves it.
Jacob Schneider: Absolutely. Was Pulisic also deserving? Yes, but there can be no quarrel with "Jedi" winning, simply due to his consistency and high-effort output. He often gets overlooked due to being a defender, but he has turned into – yes – a world-class left back. This is the respect he deserves.
Ryan Tolmich: Absolutely. And that's no knock on Pulisic, either. Robinson and Pulisic are the only two USMNT stars consistently playing at a legitimately elite level, so either one of them would have been a justified choice for the award. On Robinson specifically, the numbers speak for themselves, with only Bukayo Saka and Mo Salah having more assists in the Premier League. And don't forget the eye test. This award is a long-time coming for Robinson, who has finally gotten the recognition he deserves from fans both in England and the U.S.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportIs Antonee Robinson the best USMNT defender ever?
TH: Hold your bloody horses! Robinson is a pretty good left back who has steadily improved over the course of his career. He truly feels like one of those guys who has earned every single move he has made, and is on the precipice of stardom (as much as that exists for left backs in a league admittedly short on them at the minute.) But let's give the guy a bit more time before we make any sweeping declarations about GOAT status. What you can say, though, is the lack of left backs in the "all-time" list, would make him a solid contender at the position. But the presence of Carlos Bocanegra, Steve Cherundolo and Oguchi Onyewu complicates the whole "best defender" thing. Give him a few years first.
JS: This question isn't quite fair, as he's halfway through his career. He hasn't reached his peak, but at the same time, there's a genuine space for him to be in consideration. Others that come to mind, though, are Onyewu, Marcelo Balboa, Eddie Pope and Bocanegra. Then there's a versatile player such as DaMarcus Beaseley who played across the left side of the pitch. At the club level, sure, but internationally? Maybe not yet.
RT: Probably not yet? There are just so many stars that have preceded him, including Bocanegra, Onyewu and Cherundolo – all really good at a high level for longer. Now, admittedly, Robinson has been great at a high level for the last few years and, if he can keep that up, we can revisit this conversation.
Getty/GOALDoes Christian Pulisic need more USMNT Player of the Year awards to solidify his legacy?
TH: It depends how much you value the award, really. The natural reference point is that Donovan also has four. Is Pulisic better than Donovan? Raw talent says yes, his impact very much TBD. Odds are that he picks up a few more over the course of his career. If any serious silverware or actual individual accolades that mean something comes with it, then this will have been allocated fairly.
JS: There's an expectation that he will add to that total, and if he doesn't, so be it. He does not need another POTY trophy to be known as the best U.S. attacker we have ever seen. The eye test tells us that, as does having an ounce of IQ surrounding the game. He surpassed Donovan quite some time ago in that category, and since his move to Milan, has absolutely surpassed Clint Dempsey. He is the best USMNT player we have ever seen, and that's no mark against the other two. Rather, it's a compliment to their careers. Job well done, you were great. But Pulisic is just better, and that is a good thing for American soccer.
RT: Oh, don't worry, there will be more. Pulisic's legacy is still being written, and it's easy to argue that the best parts of it haven't even happened yet. As for his four POTYs, , he's ahead of both Dempsey and Kasey Keller and level with only Donovan for most all-time on the men's side. He'll get at least one more, rightfully claiming his place atop that list as he pushes for the title of best USMNT player.
(C)Getty ImagesWas Milan's Supercoppa Italiana trophy meaningful?
TH: In the sense that it's nice to get your hands on some silverware, then sure. Let's be honest, these super cups, held in the Middle East, are just money grabs and half-hearted attempts to get foreign fans involved in the game. This was part of a long run up to the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. Still, Milan won't complain. They've won two big games, beat their arch-rivals in a final, and got their main man fit and firing again. So, is there much to take from the physical trophy? No. But the individual showings, and immediate improvements under a new manager? Absolutely.
JS: It was all about Pulisic. He is world-class and despite changing managers three times in the past year, that will not change. He was absolutely incredible as Milan came back from two goals down, and absolutely deserves plaudits as a result. He took his finish incredibly, was a pest in the final-third and played the initial ball on the game-winner. Truly, he was amazing.
RT: For Milan, this means a hell of a lot. New boss Sergio Conceicao has an immediate triumph to point to as he looks to rally this team behind him. Milan showed plenty of fight and grit over these two games, which bodes well for them as they push for top four this season. It's an uphill climb, but one that is possible if they play like they did over these two games.
