New Chelsea manager Graham Potter is not using Christian Pulisic correctly. The US international passed the requirements in a 2-0 win against AC Milan. Every game he misses is an indication that Pulisic’s career is slipping out of his hands.
Ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Christian Pulisic is the poster boy for the USMNT. Pulisic is not only perhaps the best player on the team, but he continues to have great potential for club and country. Essentially, he should be the American equivalent of Gareth Bale with Wales.
Instead, Christian Pulisic does not play for Chelsea. Consequently, he looks to go to Qatar undercooked and with little confidence.
Ironically, a few miles down the road at Tottenham, the coach and the perfect position are available. Pulisic would fit well in Antonio Conte’s patented full-back role.
Christian Pulisic misses out on Chelsea
Pulisic rose to prominence after rising through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund. Moving to Chelsea was the last thing he needed.
Unfortunately, there is a bias against American players in Europe. Talent and potential lead to immense amounts of publicity and support at home. Coaches are often in a difficult position when it comes to selecting them.
Pulisic is the most naturally talented American soccer player the country has ever produced. He should have risen to the top of the world game at this point. Or, at least, he should start at a top club.
However, he joined a club that has a reputation for doing without coaches. Since 2019 he has worked with 3 at Chelsea: Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter. None of the three fully trusted him to be a regular starter, though all three have publicly praised his ability.
The disconnect comes from injuries and ebbs and flows in the form. Pulisic doesn’t outrank any of the current Blues, players like Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling or even Kai Havertz. Frankly, there is no place for him.
Antonio Conte would have turned Christian Pulisic into an elite side
Certain coaches have spots on their team that suit talent like Pulisic. With Antonio Conte, his track record with full-backs is simply phenomenal.
Throughout his career, Conte makes the most of those at his disposal. He brought out the best in an average Emanuele Giaccherini at Juventus. He made Victor Moses a Premier League star. Conte is untouchable in this sense.
The Italian teaches the basics of the position very well, especially if a player is naturally athletic. Pulisic has blistering pace but sometimes lacks the intelligence to make the right pass in the final third.
He has barely played enough football to build a rhythm and has not developed since being in the Bundesliga. Conte would have used his speed and taught him the basics of the position. The two combined would have developed him enormously as a footballer.
Of course, there’s the little matter of Christian Pulisic hating the full-back role. Chelsea managers tried it and it didn’t work.
changing their ideas
Christian Pulisic may have to adjust his expectations. Not exactly a number 10, not that the position is common in 2022. Also, the natural winger is not his place. He needs to accept that playing football where he can would be the most beneficial.
There is a misconception that a player who was trained as a side. Some believe that he cannot change to another position. For the USMNT, Pulisic will always be a star attacker.
Conte’s training would have made him better. A more complete player. One who would be able to confidently play anywhere.
Right now we’re looking at a player with fragile confidence, scared to try something new. He thinks he’s a winger, but he’s never going to unseat Raheem Sterling or Mason Mount.
Is it too late for the American star?
The 2022 World Cup will not see Christian Pulisic at his best. His opportunity to move and prepare for the tournament has passed.
January 2023 will be the next opportunity for the American to move, and he must take advantage of it.
Conte has his full-back selection at Spurs now, so it’s unlikely he’ll move there, but Pulisic needs a coach with similar discipline but who believes in him.
It may require lowering expectations regarding club level, but in the long run that will be for the best. Now Pulisic must find his way. Standing still does nothing to change that.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Images News
