Christian Pulisic is eager to impress Chelsea’s boss Frank Lampard following his cameo appearance as a late substitute against Southampton.
The American international came off the bench against Southampton to make his first appearance in four Premier League games.
Since going to Stamford Bridge from Borussia Dortmund, the American forward has just started three Premier League games and was not included in the squad that competed in their UEFA Champions League (UCL) match against Lille.
It is an uphill battle for the American with the likes of Mason Mount, Ross Barkley, Willian and Pedro all getting the preferential treatment. The 21-year-old forward has yet to make his first goal for the Blues.
“Obviously I haven’t been getting as many minutes as I would like,” the forward said.
“I am not just going to throw a [tantrum] and give up ever, so if I am on the bench it does not mean the gaffer does not think I am a part of the team.
“Of course [it was difficult to be left out at Lille]. You want to play, be on the field and be in the team as much as you can and it hurt not to be there, but I am happy I got my opportunity at Southampton.”
During their game against Southampton at St. Mary’s, Pulisic looked sharp and even assisted Michy Batshuayi for the late goal for Chelsea to give them a commanding 4-1 lead.
Pulisic reiterated that the £58 million transfer fee has not totally weighed him down. He is however aware of the criticism thrown against him with the huge price tag hanging on his back.
“You can’t completely ignore it. I do not live under a rock,” Pulisic said. “I hear things, I see things, but I do my best to block it out.”
He added, “The outside opinions don’t matter as much to me as to what’s in the team and myself and the people who care about me.”
