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Frank Lampard 'Very Impressed' with Christian Pulisic After Salzburg Brace
August 1, 2019
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard praised Christian Pulisic after he starred in the team's 5-3 win over Red Bull Salzburg on Wednesday.
The United States international was on the scoresheet twice for the Blues in the first period of an entertaining game in Austria.
It was the clearest glimpse Chelsea supporters have had into the talent of Pulisic following his big-money transfer from Borussia Dortmund. After the match, Lampard reflected on an excellent performance from their new star attacker, per James Willoughby of Goal.
"I was very impressed with the way that he took the goals," the Chelsea boss said. "As a winger in the Premier League, he has to adapt to that league. He is young but with huge potential, and I am happy for him."
The Chelsea Twitter account posted the following clip of Pulisic after the game:
Mike Keegan of the Daily Mail commented on the Blues star's movement during the open pre-season game:
Given the hype Pulisic has had from a young age and the money paid by Chelsea to secure his signature, there is a lot of pressure on the 20-year-old ahead of the 2019-20 season.
The American made the move to Stamford Bridge on the back of what was a season of inconsistency at Borussia Dortmund. Pulisic only started nine games in the Bundesliga, notching four goals and four assists from his 20 appearances overall.
Under Lampard, he will be seeking to make the next step as a player and start to make good on the potential he has showcased.
Football writer Michael Caley believes the style of play used at his new club will be more suited to Pulisic than that of Lucien Favre's at Borussia Dortmund:
Michael Caley @MC_of_Apreseason is ~meaningless the case for a bounceback/breakout season for Pulisic is that his best skill is as an outlet, finding space to receive passes in dangerous areas and being strong enough to hold possession there. in Favre's system he couldn't do what he does best. https://t.co/fnNeyjWUCg
With Chelsea unable to register new players this summer—the signing of Pulisic was confirmed last season, before he was loaned back to Dortmund—the United States star is set to play a key role in attack for the London club.
After all, Chelsea lost longtime key man in Eden Hazard, with the Belgium international moving to Real Madrid. In the Premier League last season, he netted 16 goals and laid on 15 assists, meaning there will be a huge attacking void for the team to fill.
It would be too much to expect Pulisic to replace Hazard's productivity straight away, as there is still lots of developing for him to do. However, the signs are that he will be plenty of fun to watch, and his bright pre-season performances are adding to the positive mood being cultivated by Lampard going into the coming term.