17-year-old Borussia Dortmund and United States midfielder Christian Pulisic "probably will not" ever see the field for the United States U-20 National Team, according to U-20 manager Tab Ramos. While speaking with American Soccer Now's Brian Sciaretta, Ramos confirmed what many have been expecting for a long time: the Dortmund phenom will be fast tracked to the senior national side, likely skipping the U-20 level altogether.
"Will he play for our U-20 national team? Chances are he probably will not. But this is why I always want to keep him in the conversation about our team: Every young player has ups and downs. Sometimes it's two steps forward and one step back," said Ramos.
Pulisic was expected to make big strides this season, but few expected just how far he would go in one year. The young lad who would be just a junior were he in high school in the United States has seen himself elevated up to senior level with Dortmund, where he has made eight appearances while scoring twice.
In addition to his ascent in Germany, Pulisic has been called up by USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann, and made his senior national team debut in a World Cup Qualifying match in March against Guatemala. Although it has been remarkably fun to watch the youngster progress, Ramos struck a note of warning, and compared his rapid rise to that of Gedion Zelalem, who is currently on loan from Arsenal at Rangers.
"I’m always very careful about regarding our players. I think Zelalem is an amazing player too who is maybe going through the 'down' of the ups and downs," Ramos said.
Pulisic will be hoping to get called into the senior team for the summer's Copa America Centenario, but will also still be focused on the end of Germany's club season. Dortmund have been eliminated from the UEFA Europa League and are currently seven points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga with just three matches to play. A victory for the Bavarians this weekend would clinch them the title. Yet, BVB are still in competition for silverware as they are set to take on Bayern in the DFB Pokal Final on May 21st, leaving Pulisic with a great chance at a medal in his first pro season.