Former United States footballer Jonathan Spector has claimed that Christian Pulisic could go on and succeed Eden Hazard as the heartbeat of the Chelsea side. Pulisic has officially joined the Blues this summer and will be expected to play a pivotal role for the club next season following the departure of Hazard to Real Madrid.
Chelsea face a two-window transfer ban. Pulisic is eligible to play for them as he was signed during the January transfer window and immediately loaned back to Borussia Dortmund where he remained until the end of last season.
“I don’t think he’s quite at that level just yet and there’s no shame in that, Hazard is a brilliant player! But he definitely has the potential if he continues to grow and improve,” Spector said speaking to AmericanGambler.com.
“But with Hazard leaving it gives him an opportunity, as he needs to play games, especially at that age and at that stage of development. Being a 20-year-old playing for Chelsea is no small feat, so hopefully, he will get that opportunity and there is no telling how good he could be.”
Pulisic has the ingredients required to be a success at Stamford Bridge
Despite being just 20-years-old, Pulisic made almost 100 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund. Most players his age are still fringe players at big clubs but the past experience which he has means that the integration process will be easy. Pulisic also has incredible vision, composure and ball distribution. He will be able to create goals for team-mates and also score on his own.
He is a versatile player who can operate on either side of the wing, in midfield or as a second striker when necessary. As the Blues could not sign an immediate replacement for Hazard, he will likely be presented with opportunities to play on the left-wing next season.
It is unlikely that Pulisic will be able to be as dynamic as Hazard straight away. He will take time to adapt to the style of football in England, however he could develop into a quality player with the right guidance. He will also be able to be a leader within the Blues dressing room. He is arguably the best player in the current United States squad and is nearing the peak levels of Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey who are two of the most highly-respected American players in the modern generation. Both Dempsey and Donovan earned moderate success in the Premier League with Fulham and Everton respectively.
