Christian Pulisic produced the
moment of magic in a Mature Chelsea performance
against Ajax in
the Champions League.
The American has attracted attention
in recent weeks for the lack of minutes offered by Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.
The blues faced their toughest test
of the season, and despite injuries in defensive ranks, kept a clean sheet away
to one of Europe's best attacking teams.
Afforded little time on the ball by
Ajax's high-press, they huffed and puffed in the opening period. Lampard,
however, tweaked and played expressively in second half; providing a platform
for Pulisic when introduced with less than 30 minutes to go.
The game had been screaming for
creativity in the form of Pulisic during Chelsea's tough first half, and he
once again contributed immensely to a Chelsea win. With his national team
coach, Gregg Berhalter, in attendance
Pulisic’s pace
and close control added a different element to Chelsea’s attack. As his
dribbling in tight spaces saw him create three chances including the assist for
Michy Batshuayi’s goal.
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| A certain DC Comics-Marvel connection is providing the goods for Chelsea. (David Klein) |
Pertinently,
he has laid on three of his five Chelsea assists so far for ex-Dortmund
teammate Batshuayi. With a Captain America and Batsman link-up providng
results for the Londoners.
Chelsea now sit
atop group H after three games by virtue of a better head-to-head record with
Ajax. The young blues have done well to recover from losing at home
to Valencia on matchday one, with Pulisic instrumental in their second
successive win.
This
follows on from Pulisic’s huge contribution in the winner against Newcastle,
and late assist at Southampton. Chelsea are beginning to benefit from Pulisic's
dynamic contribution off the bench in a sixth straight win in all competitions.
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| Chelsea got an important away win in the champions League. (Getty Images) |
Lampard's
bold changes for the team cause will surely provide opportunities for Pulisic.
After stating his willingness to get the best out of the American, he is
certainly earning a chance.
Lampard deserves
credit for utilizing his skillset to the team's benefit despite a dearth of
minutes. Pulisic remains ahead of Callum Hudson-Odoi as Chelsea’s chief creator
with five assists this season, his creativity coming as no surprise.
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| Pulisic has shown a willingness to make his mark for Chelsea. (Getty Images) |
Pulisic has more chances to show his
creative qualities with a tough game at Burnley this weekend; followed by a
home Cup tie with Manchester United.
Willian's form which has been exemplary in the early months of the season keeps Pulisic out but he will lay claim to fair starts soon.
Willian's form which has been exemplary in the early months of the season keeps Pulisic out but he will lay claim to fair starts soon.
Having sat out five consecutive
Premier League and Champions league fixtures; the 21-year-old will be chomping
at the bit to take his chances as they increase in coming games.
It goes without saying that he is
guided by a man who has seen and done it all, Frank Lampard.
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