It looks like Christian Pulisic has finally gone the global route to gain the recognition he deserves. After being snubbed from the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominations, the USMNT star has made it onto the 77-player shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s XI for 2024. While Pulisic and his ardent fans will be hoping for the winger to make the final cut, an apparent ‘biggest difference’ might hinder his chances of even being considered one of the best four midfielders.

For starters, one can’t deny the competition he will be facing: 11 goalkeepers and 22 defenders, midfielders, and forwards each are vying for the honor of being included in the 2024 World XI. Then again, Stu Holden isn’t denying how good of a deal this is for Pulisic. “I think this is a great start for him, also starting to get recognition for just how well he is playing,” began the US icon on the latest podcast episode of State of the Union.

But with praise came a reality check stating, “He is one of the best 4 midfielders right now in global soccer—not yet, but he’s getting close. The biggest difference now that I think Pulisic gets on the list and becomes one of the best is its winning trophies. Had he been at Chelsea and they had won the Premier League or FA Cup, and he was a star player the way he has been for AC Milan on that team, he’s gonna be on that list.”

Holden didn’t deny the talent that Pulisic possesses within himself to get the worthy recognition of being on the final XI list. However, the former US midfielder did underline the ‘next step’ to become a winner by either getting back to the Premier League, making a surprising move to La Liga or staying at AC Milan and helping them win Serie A.

Winning trophies would be the icing on the cake, as Holden highlighted the remarkable goal-scoring prowess that Pulisic has. “His stats in the last couple of years are worthy of consideration and he’s absolutely worthy of a place on that list,” added the Fox Sports analyst, fervently claiming that the 26-year-old winger is responsible for 50% of the goals that AC Milan scores.

So it would be safe to say that Stu Holden is weighing all the pros and cons on whether he sees Pulisic making the best XI. Perhaps a quick look at the competition may help many others like him to solve their betwixt and between.

The competition Christian Pulisic faces to be in the 2024 FIFA The Best Men’s XI

Instead of being listed as a forward, Pulisic made the cut in the 77-player list as a midfielder. As a result, he will face competition from big names representing top clubs. Firstly, consider Real Madrid’s trio of Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde, with even retired star Toni Kroos earning a place.

Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo are also vying for spots, alongside Premier League stars such as Phil Foden, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, and Rodri. Ligue 1 is represented by PSG’s Fabian Ruiz, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka bring competition from the Bundesliga.

Again from La Liga, Madrid loanee and Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, Rayo Vallecano’s James Rodriguez, and Villarreal’s Alex Baena have been shortlisted. Additionally, Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu, Pulisic’s rival club star, has also earned a place.

Finally, outside Europe, Fluminense’s Ganso and Botafogo’s Thiago Almada from Brazil, along with MLS-based FC Cincinnati star Luciano Acosta, have also broken into the list.

Indeed, the competition is huge and it remains to be seen whether Pulisic will be able to make to the final XI.