OPINION: Christian Pulisic is back from injury and it couldn’t have been timed better. With Chelsea’s attack still lacking that cutting edge, Pulisic could prove to be the missing piece of the puzzle in unlocking Chelsea’s attack.
During the pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s away Champions League fixture against Malmo, Thomas Tuchel said the words that so many Chelsea fans have been waiting some time to hear:
“The good news is, Christian Pulisic is back, and back in the squad for tomorrow.”
This will come as a more than welcome addition to an attacking line that is, on the whole, lacking output. Callum Hudson-Odoi’s performances in recent weeks have been impressive, but Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech are yet to begin firing consistently. With Mason Mount ruled out for the Malmo game due to illness, there is now a real possibility that Christian Pulisic can get some meaningful minutes.
Since joining Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, Christian Pulisic has had eleven separate injuries that have seen him miss 40 games out of 130. This damning record has seen a potentially generational talent fall by the wayside, for the time being.
However, he could be arriving back at the perfect time. With Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner both out injured, the goals are going to have to come from somewhere. During his 79 game Chelsea career, Pulisic has achieved a total of 32 goals and assists, which is impressive. His US Men’s National Team form has been equally, if not more, impressive with 25 goals and assists in 40 matches.
Further, according to FBref, Christian Pulisic ranks in the top 15% of all attacking midfielders and wingers for non-penalty expected goals at 0.33, progressive carries at 8.43, completed dribbles at 2.65, and touches in the opposition penalty area at 6.46.
Add to this his performances in big games, such as against Real Madrid in the Champions League Semi-Final and the exceptional solo goal against Manchester City in the Premier League, as well as the carry job towards the backend of Frank Lampard’s first season, fans will be excited to witness his return.
Yet, in recent weeks the form of Callum Hudson-Odoi has been excellent. For a long time, fans have wanted to see Hudson-Odoi have an extended chance in his preferred left-wing position, and his performances have cemented him as a starter in this current Chelsea side.
In my opinion, I would prefer to see Christian Pulisic play on the right-wing over Hakim Ziyech. This would allow Kai Havertz to continue playing as the false-nine, dropping deep to allow space for Pulisic, a player who you want in the box, to make those direct runs and finish chances.
It has been the wide combinations in recent weeks that have set the precedent for the squad. Ben Chilwell and Reece James have arguably been the outstanding full-backs in Europe over the last month, and Mason Mount’s hat-trick against Norwich only helped boost his confidence. Hudson-Odoi’s performances have all but confirmed the quality running down both flanks in this current Chelsea set-up.
On the right-hand side, Christian Pulisic will not displace an inform Hudon-Odoi, whilst working in tandem with Reece James who is once again proving why he is one of the world’s best right-backs. These wide combinations will continue to be devastating, especially against slightly weaker teams such as Malmo. Christian Pulisic could be the final piece of the puzzle that will unlock a more free-scoring attack and reduce the burden on the full-backs.
Chelsea’s qualification from Group H would all but be confirmed with a convincing win over Malmo. This would also be the ideal game to reintroduce Christian Pulisic as the intensity and physicality are slightly more comfortable than the Premier League.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Chelsea faces a tricky Burnley team coming off of an emphatic 3-1 victory against Brentford. A perfect hat-trick will not be expected of Pulisic, but a solid performance against opposition he will be confident he can get the better of is what both he and the fans will demand.
