Christian Pulisic was an unused substitute today for Chelsea, in their 2-1 loss at home to Liverpool. For the third straight game, the 21-year-old did not see a minute of playing time, despite being perfectly match fit. This came on the heels of his being in the first team for the UEFA Super Cup and three Premier League fixtures.
At this point, the $73 million acquisition in January is behind both Willian and Pedro on the depth chart, and he will likely see himself below Callum Hudson-Odoi once he’s returned to fitness as well.
Manager Frank Lampard’s formation switch (and fewer places for true wingers that comes along with it) has really hurt both the American’s current standing right now and future prospects with the club too.
The problem for Pulisic seems to go well beyond just being caught in a numbers game. Chelsea is moving forward in a rebuild, post Eden Hazard, with a youth movement and it’s not including Pulisic right now.
Lampard was asked if the 21-year-old was a victim of the Blues’ having lost three players to injuries. Lampard disputed that narrative.
“He wasn’t a victim of the injuries. I’ve got a squad to pick from,” the first year boss said.
“Before that he had played a few games. Willian has come back in and been sharp and looked good. I decided to go with Mason [Mount] today, because we needed to stay strong in midfield and play Mason high up the pitch.”
“That is my choice to make. He will get ample opportunities. He is a young player as well as everyone is talking about Mason and Tammy and Fikayo.”
“He is actually as young, if not younger, than some of them. His chances will come.”
For now, it seems like those chances will be limited just to cup competition. Tbe next opportunity could come Wednesday night when the Blues take on Grimsby Town in the third round of the League Cup, commencing their campaign in this competition.
However, we won’t likely see him against Brighton in league competition next weekend.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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