17-year-old Christian Pulisic is ready to be a USMNT starter

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You've probably heard a little bit about Christian Pulisic, the 17-year-old American who's getting regular playing time for Borussia Dortmund. He's scored his first Bundesliga goal, and Grant Wahl is reporting that he's in contention to start for the USMNT at Copa America.

"One U.S. Soccer source says that not only does he expect Pulisic to be part of the U.S. Copa America squad," writes Wahl, "but he also would not be shocked at all if Pulisic is in the starting lineup."

And for American fans who have been burned over and over again by prospects, excitement quickly turns to concern. Isn't it too much, too soon? Don't we risk Pulisic burning out from the hype train getting out of control?

It's certainly possible that Pulisic's career ends up mirroring Freddy Adu's, Julian Green's or worse. But if it does, it won't be because he got some USMNT starts at 17. Because by starting regular for Borussia Dortmund, Pulisic has already reached a level of soccer and faced a level of pressure that only a small handful of American men have ever had to deal with. If he's not ready, no one is.

Goal of the day

Saúl's sensational winner for Atlético Madrid. (r/soccer)

In the news

Borussia Dortmund has announced that Mats Hummels told them he wants to join Bayern Munich. (BVB)

Check out this extremely dope and probably fake but still amazing Detroit stadium rendering. (MLS)

Mamadou Sakho has been provisionally suspended for 30 days while under investigation for doping. (BBC)

Tottenham fans everywhere cried out in terror as Mauricio Pochettino admitted he wants to manage PSG. (Guardian)

Dele Alli has admitted his violent conduct charge and is now expected to miss the rest of the season. (ESPN FC)

Cristiano Ronaldo's mom has takes, says he'll play next week. (AS)

It's not just the South Yorkshire Police facing potential criminal charges in the Hillsborough case. The FA could be in trouble too. (Telegraph)

Divock Origi will probably be fit for the Euros. (Mirror)

You should be reading

Will Magee on brain trauma in soccer. (Vice)

Mike Henson on MBMs sticking around, even in the era of Twitter. (The Set Pieces)

Richard Foster on the parallels between Leicester and the 1978 Nottingham Forest side. (Guardian)

What happened on Wednesday

Bayern lost in part because Pep Guardiola sat on his hands.

Club América defeated Tigres to become champions of North America. (FMF State of Mind)

Highlights of Wednesday's three MLS games are here. (MLS)

What to watch on Thursday (click for listings, all times ET)

Europa League: 2 games (3 p.m. ET) -- Most eyes will be on Liverpool and Villarreal.