Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Christian Pulisic should win Golden Boy award - Dortmund boss Peter Bosz

Borussia Dortmund boss Peter Bosz has said U.S. international Christian Pulisic should win the prestigious Golden Boy award and that the winger's American mentality ensures "he has a great future ahead of him."

Earlier this week, Pulisic was named as one of the 25 contenders to win the 2017 Golden Boy award, an accolade awarded to Europe's most impressive footballer under the age of 21 by Tuttosport.

He faces tough competition from fellow nominees Kylian Mbappe, Marcus Rashford, Gabriel Jesus and his former Dortmund teammate Ousmane Dembele, who joined Barcelona in the summer, but ex-Ajax boss Bosz says the 19-year-old Pulisic deserves to come out on top.

"[Pulisic] must win it, but other good players also made the list," Bosz told a news conference ahead of the league game versus Borussia Monchengladbach.

"I can see his talent every week. He's got a lot of pace, is technically strong, scores. As an attacker, you need to be a threat in front of the goal. Still, he only turned 19 last week."

Pulisic has already made 61 competitive appearances for Dortmund, scored nine goals and set up a further 14. This term, as he gets more and more playing time, he has already scored twice and set up another in six appearances.

"He's got a very good mentality, like all Americans," he said. "He works hard, wants to improve all the time. If he continues like that, he has a great future ahead of him."

The Dortmund boss also said that he had no problem with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's most recent interview in French media. 

The Gabon international this week told RMC of his disappointment a transfer away from the Westfalenstadion fell through.

Having been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, he ultimately stayed at the Westfalenstadion and has already struck five goals in as many Bundesliga matches.

"I don't have the impression he's disappointed," Bosz said. "It was totally legitimate to say those things. If there had been the chance to make the switch, he would have left the club. It didn't happen. He's happy at Dortmund."

Bosz's predecessor, Thomas Tuchel, had expressed annoyance at Aubameyang's interviews last season.

^ Back to Top ^