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Christian Pulisic is a name which polarises opinions within England, more specifically Chelsea’s fanbase. However, in the USA, the name is linked with remarkable talent and is seen as the face of football, or soccer should I say. I have been a huge admirer of Pulisic and this piece will reinforce that.
Chelsea
Pulisic’s Chelsea career has been somewhat chaotic. From being a supposed commercial signing from the club to a saviour under Frank Lampard. What is certain is Pulisic’s talent and right to feel aggrieved by a lack of opportunity, which he deserves. It was surprising to see Christian Pulisic fall out of favour with Thomas Tuchel. The German played a key part in Pulisic’s development at Dortmund and to see the American limited to scarce opportunities at RWB was baffling. Many expected Tuchel to reignite Pulisic’s career following steady progress under Lampard but this couldn’t be much further from the truth.
Pulisic was integral in Lampard’s first season in which Chelsea secured top 4 thanks to his brilliance alongside Olivier Giroud. Given a run of consistent starts at his favoured LW, Pulisic thrived in big games against Manchester City and Liverpool. It’s a shame that he wasn’t afforded a greater role in Tuchel’s sides who often looked lacklustre going forward. Some will unfairly highlight Pulisic’s performances at RWB and judge him accordingly. What do you expect from someone who not only favours the left-hand side, but in a role which he is unfamiliar with? Crazy.
The critics will also mention his injury record which has no doubt hampered his progress at Chelsea but these issues seem to be behind him now. This has not led to a change in his fortunes. Graham Potter’s questionable start to life at Chelsea has also highlighted Pulisic’s quality, Often left on the bench, Pulisic has made big impacts off the bench and in his rare starts with goals and assists. I’m in no doubt that Pulisic is Chelsea’s best forward. Sterling has been underwhelming, Mount has been inconsistent albeit one of the better forwards, Havertz has shown glimpses but nothing substantial and Ziyech has hardly played. Pulisic has proved that he can be relied upon in key moments when entrusted with starts in his favoured position. One only has to look at his impact in Chelsea’s UCL winning run to see what he’s capable of. Phenomenon against Porto and breathtaking against Los Blancos. This is a real star.
Christian Pulisic is a star that Chelsea will regret under utilising. He’s quick, agile, reminiscent of Lampard with his late runs into the box and resembles Eden Hazard in the way he manipulates the ball. The qualities offered by Pulisic are not easy to find, his directness and eye for goal is something Chelsea have been lacking but only Frank Lampard made use of it. Pressure is already mounting on Potter and his misfiring forwards are a huge reason, It’s simple, start Pulisic.
USA
Pulisic has captivated a nation and allowed many to dream. The boy from Hershey, Pennsylvania has found himself playing in Europe’s elite, One huge step for USA. This has translated into a RO16 tie with the Netherlands, led by who? None other than Christian Pulisic. Hat-trick in qualifying followed by MOTM in the group’s v England with an assist and the goal to fire USA to the knockouts. Pulisic has led his nation admirably and given his team a chance to cause a major upset by beating the Netherlands. This is the same Pulisic who cannot get a start at Chelsea. Strange. The impressive USA side, who deserved more than a point against England, is youthful and exciting. Adams, Pulisic, Reyna, Mckennie these names are here to stay.
It’s early days in Pulisic’s promising career despite him being around for a while now. It’s time for him to kick on at club level. Time is ticking for Chelsea to realise the diamond they have in their hands or the American will make his mark elsewhere. As a Chelsea fan, I hope his mark is made in West London sooner rather than later.