Olivier Giroud didn't mince words in his speech to the BBC: Christian Pulisic reminds him of Eden Hazard in his technique and dribbling, but the difference is entirely mental. "Pulisic puts too much pressure on himself, Hazard played for pure fun," explained the former AC Milan striker. The Frenchman then underlined how Serie A has tempered the American, transforming him into a more complete and physical player.
Giroud relived the three years he spent at Milan, where he formed a devastating trio with Pulisic and Rafael Leao. “With Pulisic and Leao we were difficult to mark, we complemented each other,” he said. The numbers prove the Frenchman right: last season, Pulisic scored 12 goals and provided 9 assists in Serie A, his best performance since the Premier League.
Giroud highlighted how the Italian league taught Pulisic to manage physicality and never give up, qualities he lacked in his Chelsea days. The comparison with Hazard is not accidental. «Eden had a constant smile on the pitch, he dribbled for the fun of it.
" This difference, according to Giroud, prevented Pulisic from reaching the Belgian's level, but the mentality is changing thanks to the Milanese experience. Now Serie A is no longer just a springboard for Pulisic, but a mental gym. Giroud remembers that Hazard, despite having less physicality, dominated because he read the game without anxiety.
Pulisic, on the other hand, still has to learn to make mistakes without feeling at fault. Italian football, with its fast pace and aerial duels, has forced the American to grow in this aspect. «Serie A gave him a new perspective.
" The message is clear: the talent is there, now we need the right head. Serie A acted as a mental accelerator for Pulisic. Before arriving in Italy, the American was known for his speed and technique, but also for a certain psychological fragility under pressure.
Hazard, on the other hand, embodied the champion's approach: he played lightly, despite being a fighter. Giroud underlines that modern football rewards those who know how to manage stress, and Serie A is the ideal laboratory for this evolution. The lessons of Milan and Inter, with their suffocating pressing and physical contact, forced Pulisic to develop a resilience that had no place in the Premier League.
The data confirms the growth. In the last 12 months, Pulisic has increased the number of aerial duels won by 30% compared to the 2021/22 season, when he was still playing for Chelsea. His progression runs also increased by 25%, a sign that his physique and mentality are aligning.
Giroud does not hide that the leap in quality was possible thanks to the patience of Stefano Pioli, who was able to measure out the American's appearances without burning him out. An opposite approach to that of Thomas Tuchel, who at Chelsea often relegated him to the bench, fueling his insecurity. Now Serie A is no longer just a springboard for Pulisic, but a mental gym.
Giroud remembers that Hazard, despite having less physicality, dominated because he read the game without anxiety. Pulisic, on the other hand, still has to learn to make mistakes without feeling at fault. Italian football, with its fast pace and aerial duels, has forced the American to grow in this aspect.
«Serie A gave him a new perspective. " The message is clear: the talent is there, now we need the right head. What awaits us: Pulisic is recovering from a muscle injury, but Milan expects to have him at 100% for the crucial phase of the season.
The challenge is to turn pressure into fuel, as Hazard did in his heyday. Rossoneri fans hope that Giroud's lessons have been absorbed, especially after the mixed performances at the beginning of the season. The calendar gets tougher: Milan has to face Inter and Juventus in two weeks, and any mistake could be costly. Read at MilanNews24
Why this matters
Giroud's words offer a rare psychological analysis from inside the dressing room. While Pulisic's technical data improves season after season, the real limit has always been mental. Understanding that Hazard played without anxiety explains why the Belgian has remained an icon while Pulisic struggles to take off. Serie A, with its harshness, is reshaping the American's head. This isn't just gossip: it's the key to understanding whether Pulisic will ever be able to match the Phenomenon. The difference between talent and mentality, in an increasingly physical and competitive football, has never been more evident than in this case. Giroud doesn't just criticize: he offers a roadmap. Serie A is no longer a simple passage, but a process of identity construction for Pulisic, where every mistake becomes a step towards maturity.
Frequently asked
What exactly did Giroud say about Pulisic and Hazard?
Giroud said Pulisic has the same dribbling talent as Hazard, but puts too much pressure on himself, while Hazard played for fun. He also praised Serie A for toughening up the American.
Why does Giroud compare Pulisic to Hazard?
Because he played with both: Hazard at Chelsea, Pulisic in the national team and at Milan. He sees similarities in technique, but differences in mental approach.
What role did Serie A have according to Giroud?
Serie A taught Pulisic to manage physicality and not give up, transforming him into a more complete player. Giroud says he is now calmer mentally.
How does Giroud describe the trio with Pulisic and Leao?
Giroud called it a devastating trio: they complemented each other. Pulisic provided assists, Leao provided speed and dribbling, Giroud provided finishing.
Has Pulisic already reached his peak in Serie A?
No. Giroud suggests that the American is still evolving mentally and physically. Last season's 12 goals and 9 assists are a step forward, but pressure remains the real obstacle.
What could change for Pulisic in the coming months?
Giroud indicates that if Pulisic can turn pressure into motivation, he could become an anchor for Milan and the national team. The key is to manage expectations without getting overwhelmed.
