Football

Christian Pulisic can be the next Eden Hazard for Chelsea, claims Tony Cascarino


Christian Pulisic impressed in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday (Picture: Getty Images)

Christian Pulisic can develop into a player at the level of Eden Hazard for Chelsea, according to former Blues striker Tony Cascarino.

The 20-year-old made his Premier League debut last Sunday, coming off the bench away to Manchester United, but caught the eye more from the start in the UEFA Super Cup against Liverpool on Wednesday.

The American looked dangerous against the Reds before being substituted in the 74th minute and showed promise in his link-up with striker Olivier Giroud.

With the departure of Hazard to Real Madrid this summer, Pulisic has the huge task of trying to fill the Belgian’s boots in Chelsea’s forward line, and Cascarino believes he can do it.

‘Christian Pulisic looks like he will be a very dangerous player for Chelsea,’ Cascarino wrote in The Times.

Eden Hazard moved to Real Madrid this summer (Picture: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

‘[Liverpool manager] Jurgen Klopp had been interested in the young forward and you could tell he was wary of his threat as he changed his defence to counter him, selecting Joe Gomez at right-back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold,

‘Gomez is a better defender than his team-mate but it still wasn’t enough to stop the United States international at times.

‘I don’t remember a young Eden Hazard being as quick and direct and there’s no reason Pulisic can’t develop into a player of Hazard’s standing.

‘Pulisic reminds me of Arjen Robben, you cannot stop him one-on-one because you don’t know which way he’s going to go and his pace is devastating.

‘He will be a massive asset for Frank Lampard this season.’

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard was impressed with the young forward in Istanbul, but not surprised, saying that fans can expect to see even better performances over the season.

‘Yeah I was pleased, and there is a lot more to come,’ said the Blues boss.

‘The expectancy is right, he is a big signing for us but you have to remember his age. He’s 20 and come into the league, into this game, against Liverpool, one of the most intense teams in football.

‘It took a bit of time early in the game to get his feeling. But once he did, you could see his confidence in carrying the ball and to create.

‘I am really happy with him. There is lots, lots more to come. Again, [he’s showing] all the good signs for what he can be for the club.’

Meanwhile, Eden Hazard is set to make his La Liga debut for Real Madrid on Saturday away at Celta Vigo.

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