In the handful of games completed since the Premier League restart, Christian Pulisic has been Chelsea’s fittest player. The project restart campaign began with two goals in two games. He has now won two penalties in two consecutive games.
The confidence Pulisic is playing with right now is inspiring. He also had a patch of good form earlier in the season, including his flawless hat trick against Burnley, but injuries had slowed his integration with the team and disrupted his consistent minute chances. After suffering an adductor injury on New Year’s Day, Pulisic had been missing from the squad for more than six months.
Free time has seen Pulisic come back cooler than ever. Rest and recovery can do the body a lot of good. It seems clear that Pulisic spent his spare time preparing well for the remaining games of the season. He looks a little stronger, perhaps spending time increasing quarantine and dancing on TikTok.
Pulisic has quickly become an integral player for Chelsea’s attack, and he hopes to secure Champions League football next season. Superlatives from the media and fans are more than guaranteed for the talented 21-year-old.
Hazard comparisons are likely to continue to grow as Pulisic’s tenure with Chelsea progresses. Perhaps it’s a little unfair that Pulisic has Hazard’s shadow on him, but the young American seems to have a positive and humble outlook on the old Chelsea talisman.
“Obviously he was an incredible player for Chelsea. He is a world class player. I’m still not trying to compare myself to him. I’m just trying to be my own player and I hope fans like that guy. “
-Christian Pulisic, source: NBC Sports
Pulisic has been direct and aggressive with the ball in every game, including today against Watford. His dribbling at defenders, and his display of speed to move through multiple defenders has given him a strong Eden Hazard vibe.
His ability to stop by a penny after accelerating past defenders and quickly change direction with floating foot movements screams like Hazard-esque. Pulisic’s ability on the ball may not reach the level of danger at his best, but Pulisic has an aura about him that seems to draw defenders towards him. Today’s second goal came from Pulisic’s ability to win a penalty kick for the ill-advised challenge from a Watford defender in the area.
Pulisic is not only earning penalties at an increasing rate with each game, he is also fouling like Hazard in his years as blue. Hazard had a knack for recovering when knocked down from difficult challenges. Injuries have been a concern for Pulisic, especially in Dortmund. As Pulisic becomes a growing key to Chelsea’s attack, ‘load management’ and maintaining his health will be critical to seeing the best of him.
Pulisic manager Frank Lampard has continued to share his optimism for Pulisic. Pulisic will probably make Lampard very happy if he can maintain this form constantly until the end of the season and beyond.
“He dealt with this quickly and was playing very well. He was injured in early January and had been injured until the start of the restart, but now he appears to be sharp and hungry. The quality is there for all to see at this time. “
“He is outperforming the players, he is moving to the beat and he always works very hard for the team in every way, so I am very happy for him.” I think considering his age, what could be of him, I am very, very satisfied. We have a very good player and he can improve even more.
-Frank Lampard, Source: Football.London
If Chelsea is going to secure the Champions League for next season, it is very possible that Chelsea will need Pulisic to continue their incredible performances. May #HotPulisicSummer never end!
“He was an amazing player for Chelsea, he’s world-class, I’m trying to be my own player and I hope fans like that guy.”
Christian Pulisic compared to Eden Hazard pic.twitter.com/F3GoA6MZXv
– Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 4, 2020
