World Cup champion Olivier Giroud believes American star Christian Pulisic is the key to elevating the US men's team at this summer's tournament. Speaking to BBC Sport, Giroud—who knows Pulisic from their shared time at Chelsea and AC Milan—sees in his teammate the talent and maturity needed to lead a new generation of American players. Pulisic's ability to both create chances and finish them makes him the bridge between the US's defensive structure and attacking ambition. According to Giroud, if Pulisic plays at his best, it could reshape expectations around American soccer on the world stage.

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