Christian Pulisic was substituted at halftime during Team USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay as a precaution.
While his status for the next match hangs in the balance, prominent analyst Colin Cowherd sparked an interesting comparison between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird while discussing the U.S. men’s soccer star.
Colin Cowherd Compares Christian Pulisic to Magic Johnson
Pulisic was a constant threat to Paraguay’s backline, repeatedly attacking down the left flank during the USMNT’s match at SoFi Stadium before being substituted.
After Team USA got off to a flying start to its 2026 World Cup campaign, Cowherd offered a unique perspective on Pulisic’s style of play.
“So, Pulisic got some heat,” Cowherd said. “AC Milan, he didn’t score a lot of goals, but he was third in that league in assists. And as I watched him in this opener, we are better when he scores, but he feels more Magic Johnson than Larry Bird.”
“He’s more set up and can finish than he’s known as just the great finisher. Some guys are just great scorers, and he can do that,” Cowherd continued.
“But I do feel like (Folarin) Balogun is a perfect recipe for Pulisic’s natural game because, to me, he feels more playmaker than scorer, and I could be a mile off on that. No, but that’s what it feels like to me.”
At the club level, Pulisic’s season with Milan showed some of his struggles in front of goal.
The Rossoneri endured a disappointing Serie A campaign that ended without Champions League qualification for next season, while Pulisic finished with 8 goals and failed to find the net in club competition throughout 2026.
Those difficulties contributed to frustration within the club as Milan underperformed and Pulisic endured one of the longest scoring droughts of his professional career.
However, Pulisic’s return to the International stage has brought out a different version of the winger.
The 27-year-old was outstanding during the first half against Paraguay, helping create the United States’ opening two goals and looking far more dynamic than he did for Milan during the closing stages of the season.
That performance gave added context to Cowherd’s comparison, as Johnson was seen as the ultimate playmaker, while Bird was regarded by many as the superior scorer. Nonetheless, both were generational superstars who could do it all.
As for Pulisic, some think that when he combines his scoring instincts with elite creativity and operates alongside a direct striker who occupies central defenders, his effectiveness rises.
Amid comparisons to NBA legends, Pulisic’s fitness remains a major talking point as the USMNT prepares for its next World Cup group-stage match against Australia in Seattle.
As Pulisic trains separately from the main squad, his teammate Tyler Adams recently expressed confidence that the winger will be available for the game.
