Christian Pulisic has arguably been one of the Blues’ stand-out performers this season since the restart of the Premier League. The USA international has been promising during his first season at Stamford Bridge and is turning out to be an excellent signing for Chelsea.
Blues signed Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund in the early part of 2019 before remaining on loan at Dortmund for the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign. He is the third most expensive player in the history of the club, acquiring him for a staggering fee of €64million. He is proving to be worth every penny as he has stepped up to the task of being the club’s first choice left-winger, the void left by the great Eden Hazard. It is an increasingly difficult task for the American to follow the success Hazard had in that position for several years, but he is stepping up to the plate and delivering the goods for the club.
Since the restart, the youngster scored three goals and claimed three assists in just seven games but it has been his general play which has impressed many football pundits and his manager in particular. The new entrants, Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner would find it difficult to directly fit into the playing XI- you can’t just drop Pulisic based on his current form. He worked tirelessly with the strength and conditioning coach and is now dealing with the physical demands better than he did at the beginning.
His menacing pace, agility, movement, and dribbling skills in the final third makes it very difficult to contain him. His quality is there for everyone to see at the moment- he is sharp and hungry for goals. He has taken his game to the next level at the right time when Chelsea were struggling for form. Even though he did take time to adjust to the Premier League, he is now in great form which has allowed him to play with freedom on the pitch.
The American has provided a good work ethic and consistency and his natural ability has allowed players such as Willian, Mason Mount, and Olivier Giroud to find space in the final third. Chelsea legend Ashley Cole has all praises for Pulisic and has said that the youngster is brilliant and wants to prove himself on the biggest stage.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard is expecting more from the talented American and believes that he can raise his game further. He has seen an all-round development in Pulisic and feels that his talent is coming through and wants to see more of what he has shown in recent times. He has the dexterity and talent to become one of the best players in the world as his game goes on and moves on levels.
A slow start and an unfortunate injury hasn’t deterred him from his path to success. He is capable of competing with the Premier League elite and has an important role to play in this young Chelsea side as they prepare for a long term future. It would be an onerous task to replicate the success of the Belgian superstar, but he’s still 21 and has a long and jubilant career ahead at Stamford Bridge.