Former USA defender Jonathan Spector has said that Christian Pulisic may not replace Eden Hazard at Chelsea but he has the potential to become a top-notch player for the west London giants. The 20-year-old was purchased by the Blues during the 2019 winter transfer window but he was thereafter loaned back to Borussia Dortmund for the remainder of the 2018/19 season.
As such, he has yet to make an impression among the Blues faithful and the same could be delayed for some time with his participation at the Gold Cup. Speaking to Goal.com, Spector told that Pulisic has yet to reach the level of Hazard on the professional scale and he has time on his side to become as good as the Belgium international.
He said:”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. 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 could not help USA win the Gold Cup after they succumbed to a final defeat at the hands of Mexico. Nonetheless, the tournament was a good experience for the attacker, who contributed three goals and three assists from six appearances. The young playmaker is now on a vacation following the international exploits but he could meet his new teammates towards the end of the month. Still, he may not be rushed into first-team action and may have to adjust to a bench role for a few games in order to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League.