Champions League 2017-18: 10 breakout stars

(L-R) Karim Benzema of Real Madrid, Enzo Fernandez of Real Madrid, Raphael Varane of Real Madrid with Champions League trophy, Coupe des clubs Champions Europeensduring the UEFA Champions League final match between Juventus FC and Real Madrid on June 3, 2017 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

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DORTMUND, GERMANY – AUGUST 26: Christian Pulisic of Dortmund controls the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hertha BSC at Signal Iduna Park on August 26, 2017, in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

4. Christian Pulisic – Borussia Dortmund

Christian Pulisic has been the golden boy of American soccer since making his debut for Borussia Dortmund during the 2015-16 season. Last season, Pulisic was expected to be a rotation player for Dortmund after the club signed Mario Gotze, Andre Schurrle and Ousmane Dembele. However, injuries forced Gotze, Schurrle and Marco Reus to miss half of the season, opening the door for Pulisic. Pulisic took advantage of his opportunities, scoring five goals and adding 13 assists in all competitions. This season, Pulisic enters the season cemented in Peter Bosz’s starting XI. The feeling in Germany is that Pulisic will take another step forward in his development and could have a breakout season. If the Bundesliga season opener, where Pulisic scored and had an assist, is any indication, Pulisic could have an incredible season.

Dortmund made a managerial change during the summer, replacing Thomas Tuchel with Bosz. The switch should not have a major effect on Pulisic as both managers play a high pressing style. The biggest question mark is where Bosz will play Pulisic. Pulisic plays as an attacking midfielder with the USMNT but will likely play on the wing until Reus returns from injury in January. When Reus returns, Pulisic will likely shift to a more central attacking role. No matter where Dortmund opt to start Pulisic, he will be involved with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and will set up the Gabon striker numerous times this season.

Pulisic and Dortmund will be tested in the group stage, with games against Real Madrid and Tottenham. Dortmund, along with Real Madrid, should be favored to advance out of the group. However, Pulisic going up against the strong backlines of Tottenham and Madrid will test the 18-year-old’s abilities against some of the world’s best defenders.

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