Is Antonee Robinson Currently Superior to Christian Pulisic as the Top USMNT Talent?
Is Antonee Robinson Currently Superior to Christian Pulisic as the Top USMNT Talent?
Over the past week, the query has emerged as to whether Antonee Robinson is the top-notch left-back in the Premier League, potentially making him the finest player on the United States men's squad.
The Athletic and Sky Sports have both presented their arguments in favor of Robinson being the best left-back in the English top-tier, highlighting his blend of innovation, defensive prowess, and overall game performances against leading teams and athletes in what is generally regarded as the top soccer league globally.
Furthermore, Fulham manager Marco Silva has bestowed the responsibility of captaining the club upon Robinson, making him the preferred choice over goalkeeper Bernd Leno to wear the armband in the absence of Tom Cairney, the club's captain.
On the international front, Christian Pulisic has been recognized as the United States men's national team's best player for quite some time, and rightfully so. Pulisic has delivered another impressive season at AC Milan, topping his team's scoring charts with 8 goals in Serie A and the Champions League combined.
Given Robinson's exceptional performance in the Premier League against top-tier opponents and players, one cannot help but wonder if he has surpassed Pulisic as the best American player at the moment.
Robinson's battle against Mohamed Salah in Fulham's game against Premier League leaders Liverpool drew increased attention to his abilities on and off the ball. He aided in two goals and delivered a solid defensive performance against Salah in a high-profile game that resulted in a 2-2 draw for Fulham.
Data corroborated the human eye, with FotMob’s player ratings acknowledging Robinson as the MVP of the game.
"An outstanding performance," Silva stated following the game.
"It was challenging to find the words to accurately describe the performance this afternoon—this certainly isn't the first time.
“He's a terrific athlete, but his improvement in our defensive processes, as well as his openness to learn, has been remarkable. In attack, he's already the full-back with the most assists from open play in the Premier League. Last season, he also held this distinction.
“But what really caught my attention was his bravery, assertiveness, and aggression in the appropriate manner. Playing against Salah, frequently in one-on-one situations, he displayed exceptional courage and determination.
“For me, he's an excellent role model, one of the best in our dressing room. The way he works, the way he plays, he's been fantastic for us and we are exceedingly pleased to have him.”
Consequently, it is unsurprising that Robinson has since been linked with a transfer to Liverpool and other elite Premier League clubs.
At 27, he may be outside the typical age range of players Liverpool typically targets. Nonetheless, he would undoubtedly represent an upgrade for most Champions League-chasing Premier League teams in the left-back position.
Arguments could also be made for players like Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, Rayan Aït-Nouri of Wolves, and Lewis Hall of Newcastle to be the best left-backs in the league. However, Robinson's combination of creative output, athleticism, and defensive skill—all showcased by Silva—sets him apart from these competitors.
As for being the best player on the USMNT, Robinson may also have a solid case to make.
Pulisic performed well in the same league during his time with Chelsea, especially during his first season at the club following his transfer from Borussia Dortmund. However, Robinson has been consistently impressive in the Premier League with Fulham for some time now.
If anything, Robinson's inclusion among the league's top performers is long overdue.
Born in Milton Keynes, England, but eligible for the United States through his father's New York upbringing, England may now be rueing their decision to let Robinson slip through their fingers.
He would undoubtedly secure a spot on England's national team roster now, but England's loss has been the United States' gain.
Regardless of who is ultimately deemed better, the shared excellence between Pulisic and Robinson could prove to be a significant boost for the United States ahead of the Gold Cup in 2025 and the World Cup on home soil in 2026.
With both players enjoying outstanding seasons in 2024/25, it will be intriguing to watch how their form translates to the national team.
- Fulham manager Marco Silva has entrusted Antonee Robinson with the captaincy, showing his confidence in the USMNT left-back's leadership abilities in the Premier League.
- Antonee Robinson's performance against Mohamed Salah and Liverpool earned him the MVP title in that game, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier left-back in the English league.
- Despite Christian Pulisic's impressive seasons with Chelsea and AC Milan, some argue that Antonee Robinson's consistent performance with Fulham has made him a strong contender for the title of the best American player in soccer.
- Antonee Robinson's exceptional skills and performance in the Premier League have not gone unnoticed, leading to speculation about potential transfers to elite clubs seeking an upgrade in the left-back position.