Frank Lampard heaped praise on struggling Chelsea star Christian Pulisic following his side’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.
The America international has endured a tough start to his Premier League career following his €64 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
Pulisic has failed to start a Premier League match since August with Lampard preferring the likes of Willian and youngster Mason Mount in attack.
The 21-year-old was spotted in tears after he was substituted during the USA’s defeat against Canada earlier this week and Lampard was forced to play down suggestions he could send the versatile winger out on loan in January.
Pulisic produced one of his brightest displays as a Chelsea player to date as a second half substitute against Newcastle and Lampard was particularly taken with his balance and awareness on the ball.
He said: ‘I’m really pleased for him. He’s a hot topic because of the price tag. Because of his status in his national team, and his world status through that. And everyone has got a little bit carried away with the short term.
‘The long term is that he’s come here and he’s just turned 21 and to see him play like he did today, and there’s a lot more to come.
‘It’s not the end story. You can see his balance and awareness and you can see how he can play.
‘And there’s improvement to come as with all the young players, but delighted for him because he will feel good about that. And he should do because he was a big part of us winning that game.’
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