Christian Pulisic on £58M Chelsea Transfer: 'This Number Doesn't Mean Anything'

Chelsea starlet Christian Pulisic has said he's not bothered about the fee the club paid to sign him from Borussia Dortmund and has denied the pressure to perform is having any influence on his form. 

Pulisic agreed a transfer to move to Chelsea in January, with the U.S. international eventually moving this past summer. However, he's failed to nail down a regular spot in the team under manager Frank Lampard so far.

Speaking about the £58 million switch, Pulisic has said he's not been affected by the high-profile nature of his transfer, per Nizaar Kinsella of Goal:

"This number doesn't mean anything to me. I go out and try to give my best every time I'm on the pitch. I'm not sure what the price tag means to you, but I just have to keep trying to perform at my best for myself and for the team.

"You can't completely ignore it (comments on social media). I don't live under a rock. I hear things, I see things, but I do my best to block it out. I'm just working hard for myself. 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."

Pulisic added that Lampard "likes players who work very hard and show a lot in training," and "I just have to continue to do that."

Ahead of Chelsea's showdown with Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday, it was noted how tough it has been for the United States star to get on the field for his new club: 

However, the former Dortmund man would have at least been encouraged to make an impression against the Saints late in the game. His pass released Michy Batshuayi, who finished brilliantly to clinch a 4-1 win for Lampard's team: 

It's unlikely Pulisic is feeling the pressure at Chelsea, as he's been a high-profile player for a long time despite being in the relatively early stages of his career.

He made his Dortmund debut at the age of 16 and has long been a key man for his country. Given how well he has coped with that responsibility on the international stage, the signs are positive that he will eventually be able to thrive for the Blues.

At the moment, he faces a fight for his first-team place, with Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi all excelling. Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe noted how well Willian played in the victory over Saints: 

Pulisic will get opportunities throughout the season, as Chelsea are involved in the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Champions League, as well as in a chase for a top-four finish.

At the moment, the American will be frustrated at his lack of action. However, his cameo against Southampton coupled with comments point to a player who is ready to work hard to put himself in favour with the manager.