Frank Lampard decided to give Christian Pulisic a surprise start in Chelsea’s Premier League game against Brighton on Saturday, but unfortunately, Pulisic’s performance during the match was not impressive.
Christian Pulisic’s Disappointing Performance
Christian Pulisic was given an opportunity to start for Chelsea in their Premier League game against Brighton on Saturday as Frank Lampard tried to find a solution to the team’s goal-scoring issues. However, the winger failed to make a significant impact during the match and was taken off before the hour mark as Chelsea lost 2-1 to Brighton.
Lampard’s Heavily-Rotated Side
In addition to Pulisic, Frank Lampard made several changes to the Chelsea starting lineup for the game against Brighton. Fringe players Trevoh Chalobah and Denis Zakaria were also given starts, while Mykhailo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling completed the three-man attack. Lampard rotated out several regular players, including Joao Felix, Mateo Kovacic, and Reece James, although they all came on late in the game. Kai Havertz was not named in the squad.
The Match
Chelsea scored an early goal through Conor Gallagher with the help of a deflection. However, Brighton got a deserved equalizer just before halftime. Despite having several chances, Brighton was unable to score until Julio Enciso scored a beautiful goal 20 minutes before the end of the game, giving them the win.
Pulisic’s Lackluster Performance
Pulisic’s performance during the game was disappointing. He only managed to register 18 touches during the match and was taken off after 56 minutes. Although he had one shot off target, he could not find the back of the net with the chance he was given. Additionally, he was fortunate not to give away a penalty for handball early on in the game.
Uncertainty for Pulisic’s Future
After Pulisic’s lackluster performance against Brighton, it is uncertain whether he will be included in Lampard’s lineup for their upcoming Champions League game against Real Madrid on April 18. Pulisic will have to do more if he wants to continue playing for Chelsea beyond the current season.
Early Career
Christian Pulisic is an American soccer player who started his professional career with German club Borussia Dortmund in 2016. Pulisic made his first-team debut in January 2016 at the age of 17 and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. He became the youngest non-German to score a goal in the Bundesliga in April 2016.
Success at Dortmund
Over the next few seasons, Pulisic continued to impress with his performances for Dortmund. He played a key role in the team’s run to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League in the 2016-17 season, scoring two goals and providing four assists in the competition. Pulisic was also a regular fixture in the team during the 2017-18 season, helping Dortmund finish in fourth place in the Bundesliga.
Move to Chelsea
In January 2019, Pulisic signed with English club Chelsea for a fee of around £58 million. He finished the 2018-19 season with Dortmund before joining Chelsea for the start of the 2019-20 season. Pulisic had a slow start to his Chelsea career, struggling with injuries and limited game time.
Improved Performances
However, Pulisic began to show his potential in the second half of the 2019-20 season. He scored a hat-trick against Burnley in October 2019 and was named the Premier League Player of the Month in September 2020. Pulisic’s impressive performances helped Chelsea secure a place in the top four of the Premier League and win the FA Cup.
Recent Performances
In the 2020-21 season, Pulisic continued to be a key player for Chelsea. He scored crucial goals in the UEFA Champions League, including in the semi-final against Real Madrid, which helped Chelsea reach the final. Despite being on the losing side in the final against Manchester City, Pulisic’s performances throughout the season were highly praised.
Overall Performance
Christian Pulisic’s past performances have been impressive, with the winger establishing himself as a key player for both Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea. He has shown his potential with his skill on the ball, pace, and ability to score crucial goals. Pulisic’s continued improvement suggests that he could be an even more significant player for both Chelsea and the US Men’s National Team in the future.