Three players Real Madrid won’t sign but totally should

3. Christian Pulisic

Why Real Madrid should sign him:

If you’ve only heard about one US Men’s National Team player recently, it was probably Christian Pulisic. The young American attacker has been making noise in the Bundesliga this season. With Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic is beginning to grow into his own as a footballer.

Pulisic is an all-purpose attacker who can play either through the middle or on the wing. His pace and power makes him a terror when running at defenses. As Mosope Ominiyi writes for Outside the Boot: 

"He is able to create a chance out of seemingly nothing at times and his direct running is a defender’s nightmare – his dribbling speed is excellently-timed in tough situations and he’s definitely not shy to contribute defensively out of possession too."

For the better part of his Dortmund career, Pulisic has been a squad player. But he is beginning to become more integral to their operation. With Marco Reus perennially on the injured list, the American attacker is getting more minutes at Dortmund, and its paying off. This year Pulisic notched eight goals and assisted eight more, according to WhoScored. Not bad for someone who just the season before was primarily thought of as a substitute.

So, ultimately, why do I think Real Madrid should sign Christian Pulisic?

Real Madrid should sign Pulisic so they can be at the forefront of the American soccer revolution. La Liga is lagging behind the EPL when it comes to penetrating international markets. And, Real Madrid are lagging behind other major European soccer clubs when it comes to attracting audiences in the United States.

Christian Pulisic has captured the hearts of American soccer fans. “Das American” has the chance to be the first American soccer mega-star. And what better place for a mega-star to be born than the home of Los Galacticos?

By signing Pulisic, Real Madrid would have the opportunity to carve out a unique niche in one of the fastest growing markets for European soccer in the world. Americans who are neutral or on the fence about who to support in Spain would have an easy argument why they should get behind the team from Madrid.

Plus, Pulisic already has a Real Madrid connection. As his father revealed, the kid from Hershey Pennsylvania grew up idolizing Los Blancos. So much so, in fact, that Pulisic’s dad nicknamed him Figo as a kid.

Pulisic has already impressed against Real Madrid in the Champions League. He’s even caught the eye of a Real Madrid legend. Raul name-dropped Pulisic earlier this year, citing the Dortmund player as one of the exciting young talents to keep an eye on.

Why Real Madrid won’t sign him:

There’s really no place for Christian Pulisic on this squad. And if Real Madrid were going to bring in an all-purpose attacking player who is fast and capable of dismantling defenses by running at them, they would bring in Kylian Mbappé.

More from The Real Champs

• The Xabi Factor: What Alonso could bring to Real Madrid as manager
• Manchester City hold talks over Real Madrid target
• Real Madrid player confirms he is playing with a fracture
• Real Madrid superstar rejected Premier League clubs confirmed
• Spaniard ready to join Real Madrid instead of Liverpool

Pulisic is currently at a great place for his career development. At Dortmund, Pulisic is not an undisputed starter, but he is also getting to play some serious minutes and develop his game against tough opposition.

If he were jammed into Real Madrid’s squad, Pulisic would be just another face in the crowded mass of attacking midfielders who have no real spot built into Zidane’s line-up. He would face stiff competition for a starting spot from Bale, Asensio, Morata, Benzema, and Isco.

Pulisic still needs to develop as a footballer, which will require playing week in and week out in one of Europe’s top leagues. Yes, Zidane proved himself to be a master at making rotations. But nevertheless, Madrid’s squad is already stacked. Bringing in Pulisic would spread the minutes too thin, and someone would be upset, not least of all Pulisic himself.

From the perspective of a fan from the United States, it’s really fun to fantasize about Pulisic getting to play for Real Madrid. But unfortunately, that fantasy does not square with reality.

Yet…

Next: Isco threatens to leave if Real Madrid sign Eden Hazard

Stay tuned for more on Real Madrid’s possible summer signings, here at The Real Champs.