USMNT make a run to the World Cup Quarters if Christian Pulisic is ‘big-time,’ claims Stu Holden

FOX Soccer commentator Stu Holden believes the USMNT can make a run deep into the World Cup if Christian Pulisic performs at his peak. 

The Chelsea man has enjoyed a mini-renaissance of late, showing flashes under new club manager Graham Potter, but will now move from the periphery and into the spotlight with an expectant nation watching on. 

Holden, who represented the USMNT 25 times, believes the USMNT can get out of Group B and progress far beyond that milestone. Though, there is a caveat. 

Holden believes the US can make a run if Christian Pulisic is able to produce near his peak

‘If we see big-time Pulisic, this US team’s going to make a run,’ Holden said on FS1’s The Herd, Tuesday. 

‘I think if we’re going to make a deep run, and I’m talking about getting past the Round of 16, getting to the quarter-finals — we need a star. 

‘Pulisic’s our star. He’s capable of doing things that nobody else on the team are (sic) capable of doing.’

The man nicknamed ‘Captain America’ for his special skill set and being the poster boy of US soccer has failed to shine in the national team’s most recent games. 

But at the World Cup oftentimes it is moments of magic which matter more than anything else. 

‘In just one play, he can make a goal,’ Holden continued. ‘That’s what’s going to separate these games, which are going to be close. 

Chelsea’s American star played 45 minutes in the London club’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle Saturday

‘Wales are a good team, Iran are a good team, England are a very good team. The United States are capable of beating any of them but it’s going to come down to really tight, little decisive moments in games. 

‘And Pulisic is a guy who can deliver those most consistently, at a high level and give you that moment you think “wow.”‘

Holden also reserved praise for fellow face of the USMNT in Leeds United’s midfield enforcer.  

Tyler Adams will be key for the US, but he was sent off for a second yellow in a loss to Spurs

‘Tyler Adams is probably the most important player for this team to be successful over the course of the tournament,’ he said.

‘He’s in the midfield, he’s going to lead by example, he’s going to get around, he’s gonna set the intensity, he’s gonna do things that other people could do [but] maybe not to the same level.’

Adams and Co. take on Wales Monday in their first World Cup match against LAFC star Gareth Bales and the Welsh national team, who have not featured at the tournament since 1958.  

The US will have to stop LAFC star Gareth Bale (C) and Aaron Ramsey (R) in their first game