On the day that Liverpool would hoist their first Premier League trophy, their first league trophy in 30 years, the biggest headline was not the ceremony. Instead, he was just a boy from Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Although he was unable to start the match with Chelsea, Christian Pulisic made sure his impact was felt when he was substituted with around 30 minutes to go and Chelsea lost 4-1. Almost immediately after entering, he slashed and diced Liverpool’s defense, preparing striker Tammy Abraham for an easy goal. Pulisic’s cunning footwork and desire to push the ball forward was the reason for that goal. Scoring that goal made the game 4-2.
Then, if he couldn’t improve, Pulisic scored just a few minutes later. This time, his teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi put a nice cross into the area and Pulisic showed some control and composure before hitting the ball in the upper corner.
That goal brought Chelsea back to 4-3. Although his return was short-lived, fans of the United States Men’s National Team had plenty to be happy about. Before our eyes, a star is forming and it’s only getting bigger. We will explain exactly why.
Goals and assists are nice and all, but one great thing about Christian Pulisic’s game is his ability to improve everyone around him. His constant attack mentality is really proving to be very difficult for opposing teams to handle. Returning to the assistance he had yesterday against Liverpool, he picked up the ball around the midline and his immediate reaction was to attack. He haggled to the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, and Joe Gomez. Those are three world-class players, but it doesn’t matter when one player attacks them with speed, confidence and determination.
The point of the Pulisic game that should be emphasized is his dribble. Not many players take the ball and run towards defenders like him. He is fast, the ball is well adjusted to his feet and he constantly seeks to involve others. Against Liverpool, you saw him bring a whole new energy to the Chelsea team when they needed it most.
It really was an impressive performance from all aspects. It was great to see a player take him to Liverpool, who has been very good on defense. The game ended with 100% passing accuracy, three successful shots, three ball recoveries, a great opportunity created and goal and assist. It was just a great individual performance.
At his post-game press conference, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard had a lot to say about Pulisic and his comparison to another club legend named Eden Hazard:
“He is very important. He has had that impact. I was here during Eden’s first year and it’s not easy to get into the Premier League, even for Eden in that first year, and adapt to the Premier League. ”
Being compared to a player like Hazard is high praise. But, let’s not put a limit to where you can go as a player. Lost in all this hype is this fact: Christian Pulisic is still only 21 years old. This is just the tip of the iceberg for him. In many ways Pulisic can only get better from here, and for him to show what he’s been showing now is crazy.
After yesterday’s performance, Pulisic has 10 goals and 10 assists this season in just 32 appearances. And it’s not over yet. This Sunday, he’ll have a chance to add to that when Chelsea face Wolverhampton. Additionally, Pulisic has a chance to win his own trophy in the FA Cup Final. Christian Pulisic will have many opportunities to continue to illuminate our lives.
