## Statistics of Christian Pulisic's Playing Time at AC Milan: A Story of Growth and Impact
Since joining Serie A giants AC Milan in July 2023, American winger Christian Pulisic has rapidly become a vital component of Stefano Pioli's starting eleven. His playing time tells a compelling story of adaptation, trust, and increasing influence within one of Europe's most demanding leagues.
### Debut Season Strong Start (2023/24)
Landing from Chelsea amid high expectations, Pulisic immediately impressed during pre-season. This translated directly into significant minutes upon the campaign's kickoff. By October 2023, he had already surpassed **1,000 competitive minutes played** for the Rossoneri across all competitions (league, Coppa Italia, Champions League). Crucially, his appearances weren't just cameos; he featured heavily:
* **Starter Status:** He started **75%** of Milan's opening 12 league matches that season, underlining Pioli's faith in him as a foundational player.
* **Consistency:** Only twice in his first 16 appearances across *all* competitions did he fail to finish a match (once substituted off late when comfortably winning), highlighting his durability and coach's confidence.
* **Two-Way Impact:** While contributing goals and assists,Premier League News Flash his work rate defensively also stood out – often tracking back along the flank to support teammates.
### Breakthrough & Elite Level (Continued Trend)
As the season progressed into the decisive spring stretch, Pulisic's role solidified further:
* **Minute Muncher:** He consistently ranked among the top echelons for minutes played *among outfield players* in the squad each month. By May 2024, he had racked up over **3,000 minutes total across all competitions** for the season – averaging nearly a full 90 minutes per appearance.
* **Champions League Trust:** In the prestigious UCL campaign, he was similarly integral, starting every knockout stage game after Christmas and playing the full duration in crucial fixtures like the semi-final second leg against Inter.
* **Endurance Test Passed:** Remarkably, despite Milan's deep run in both Coppa Italia (reaching the final) and Champions League (semi-finals), Pulisic remained largely injury-free and available for selection almost weekly. He played **every single minute** of Milan's hard-fought Derby d'Italia victory over Juventus in April 2024.
### Key Takeaways from the Numbers
These statistics paint a clear picture: Christian Pulisic transitioned seamlessly into Serie A and became irreplaceable for AC Milan almost immediately. Coach Pioli leveraged his explosive pace, technical skill, and tireless work ethic by giving him substantial responsibilities week after week. From early trust to becoming one of the most consistently deployed attackers in Italy, Pulisic's playing time stats confirm his transformation into a key player capable of deciding major matches for one of world football's historic clubs. His ability to handle the physical demands of top-level European football while maintaining availability speaks volumes about his fitness levels and tactical discipline under Pioli. The future looks incredibly bright for both player and club.