Our Project Restart form has been a revitalized taste of reality that has demonstrated both positive and negative aspects of the team’s performance.
Firstly, the positives. We have seen our strengths and what we can do on the ball when we dominate possession. Equally, we have also seen some of the key creative weaknesses that have plagued us all season.
These glaring frailties have cost us points all year causing us to be in the dog-fight for Champions League football. One of the bright sparks (especially in recent weeks) that has given Chelsea fans much joy and optimism for the future has been Christian Pulisic. His electric and dynamic form justifies why Chelsea bought him the first place. Pulisic’s signing came with questions and expectations after the exit of the Eden Hazard. They were big boots to fill and his start at Chelsea was perhaps slower than most people anticipated.
The initial reaction of fans following the signing of the American international was mixed, to say the least. His last season with Dortmund came with up and downs, as the rising Jadon Sancho was starting to make his mark to the football world. Pulisic’s breakthrough season was the 2015/16 campaign where he introduced himself to the world. The young American was never renowned for his high goal tally but his ability on the ball and devastating forward runs made him one of the distinguished youngsters at that time. His pace and creativity gained him the hype he deserved throughout his breakout season.
Pulisic scored his first Bundesliga goal in April of 2017 against Hamburger SV opening the score line in a 3-0 win at home. At only 17 years and 212 days old, Pulisic became the youngest non-German and fourth-youngest player to score in the Bundesliga. He recorded 5 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances in all competitions in his first year. Since then he’s not been able to get past the double-digit mark in neither goals nor assists. This didn’t stop the American from making waves as he also became the youngest player to score in the modern era in a World Cup Qualifier in September of 2016.
You could make a strong argument, however, that this first season at Chelsea has been the best of Pulisic’s admittedly brief career. Currently sitting on 9 goals and 6 assists in only 28 appearances puts him in a good spot to finish strong and hopefully break the double-figures mark for goals.
Not only has his expected goals and expected assists per 90 minutes increased but his overall play has developed as well. Pulisic has improved his ability to hold on to the ball when moving with speed and his deadly instinct for goal has become more evident, especially in recent games.
After a slow start, the American has been able to turn things around in his favour helping the Blues be a better team offensively. His direct movement and gracefulness on the ball makes him hard to stop and his blistering pace makes defending him a nightmare. If he can stay fit for an extended period of time, Pulisic could become one of the key players to build around as his overall game and potential could reach extraordinary levels. If Chelsea truly want to get the best out of Pulisic, then surrounding him with talent is essential.
Where does he fit in for the 20/21 season?
With the acquisition of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, Chelsea’s offensive ranks have increased in quality dramatically but have also led to questions as to whether Pulisic could be left out of the starting line-up as a result.
Reactionary Twitter critics earlier in the season instantly labelled him a flop as he couldn’t get any playing time over the likes of Willian or Pedro – Pulisic did not put his head down amidst the turmoil, and decided to earn his place in the starting eleven with diligence and hard work.
Whenever he was called upon, Pulisic demonstrated that offensive spark that was needed. Earlier in the season at St. Mary’s Park, Pulisic provided a wonderful through ball to Michy Batshuayi who scored to give the American an assist to put the Blues up 4-1. Christian was another key factor in a huge champions league victory against Ajax back in October. Pulisic’s dynamism was a problem for Ajax’s defence and helped Chelsea get a late winner again providing Michy to another assist. The following match, Pulisic made a statement in the Premier League by achieving a perfect hat-trick against Burnley.
Chelsea will have a much more potent attacking force with Ziyech and Werner coming in. Werner’s signature was captured before Project Restart which led many people to assume Pulisic’s spot would be in danger.
Timo Werner’s versatility allows him to play out wide as a left forward or as a lone striker, and there is also the possibility of Werner and Abraham co-existing in the same lineup, again leaving the American out of the equation.
This argument was quickly put to rest as the 21-year-old was once again flying high, putting in excellent performances and being one of the standout players in the last few games. His quick feet and directness gives opposition trouble defending him down that left-hand side where he operates best. In that left-wing position, Pulisic can cut in onto his right foot or take his defender 1v1 on the edge of the box creating attacking opportunities for his team.
The introduction of Hakim Ziyech is bound to work wonders for the young American as Ziyech’s skilful distribution will elevate his game to a whole new level. Ziyech produced 90 chances for his team and notched 21 assists in all competitions this season. The Moroccan likes to execute those long-range passes from the right side of the pitch and find his teammates on the left-wing. Pulisic is already known for his runs inside the box and you would expect that with the addition of Ziyech, Pulisic’s goal tally will only increase.
How to improve him
In terms of helping Pulisic improve his all-round game, the American star could benefit from a more influential left-back by his side. Both Marcos Alonso and Emerson appear insufficient and seemingly out of favour for supporting him dynamically.
The likes of Alex Telles or Nicolas Tagliafico will help improve Pulisic’s output as he is usually isolated on the left-hand side. Although Marcos Alonso can support him offensively in this manner, the Spaniard’s lack of pace often messes up counters and breaks up momentum giving the opposition time to get back and defend. Fans have witnessed this multiple times over the last few years as Hazard was often left isolated due to how poor his support was. Alonso has only managed 25 successful passes into the penalty area and only 13 successful crosses in all competitions this season.
Emerson hasn’t been much better as his inconsistent defensive displays ensure he is not a regular option for Lampard. That said, Emerson is much more comfortable going forward, but his weakness is in the defensive portion of his game: he only possesses a 46% tackle success rate this season, getting beat off the dribble 7 times in just 14 matches.
Alex Telles is known for his offensive end-product but also struggles defensively in certain aspects. For this reason, Tagliafico could be better suited for Pulisic as he could provide both offensive and defensive elements that Chelsea have lacked for quite a while, and his combination play with the incoming Hakim Ziyech will only increase the cross-field fluidity within the side making the Blues a dangerous attacking threat next season.
Timo Werner’s arrival will also help Pulisic to elevate his game as he will need to be consistent and efficient on the pitch. Werner’s mobility allows the chance to have much more dynamic frontline, and will help Chelsea be a ruthless team on the counter.
Rumours have also come into the light suggesting the possible acquisition of Kai Havertz, another talented midfielder from Germany. His offensive ability and eye for goal from midfield will be a vital piece of Lampard’s offensive puzzle. Havertz’s playmaking talent will surely help Pulisic contribute more goals and create greater attacking opportunities. Havertz also brings in that goal threat, tallying an impressive 17 goals and 9 assists in all competitions in 2019-20. His arrival benefits the American in many ways as his off the ball runs suits Havertz’s playing style. This could work wonders if the German International signs for Chelsea during the summer.
Final Thoughts
Pulisic continued his hot form by scoring another unbelievable goal against Crystal Palace last week. He was able to turn to his weaker left-foot and use the appropriate technique to blast a screamer in via the near post beating the Palace keeper with ease.
Pulisic is showing something different every game with fans anticipating what he could achieve in years to come. His hunger for goal makes him one of the young gems to build around. Chelsea are filled with young talent such as Mason Mount, Reece James, Billy Gilmour, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori who could all become focal points for Chelsea. Christian Pulisic looks ready to be one of the leading lights of the side, and his potential at current suggests he could be one of the best wingers in world football over the coming years.
By Rey Stevinho
Edited by Jai Mcintosh & Robert Pratley