The most revered jersey number in soccer is 10, traditionally bequeathed to a prized attacker or playmaker. Pelé and Diego Maradona wore it. So do Lionel Messi and Marta.
Because of its history, the number carries great expectations — an expectation to elevate and entertain. At the very least, the bearer becomes a fixture in the starting lineup.
The previous season, at age 21, Pulisic scored nine Premier League goals and a career-best 11 in all competitions. He electrified audiences with his pace, cunning and ambition.
Those contributions helped justify the $73 million transfer payment in 2019 to German club Borussia Dortmund — the largest fee in U.