KEY POINTS

  • Christian Pulisic may give Thomas Tuchel a good problem if he stays healthy
  • Pulisic is making the most out of opportunities right now
  • The American is now seen as a fill-in for the injured Hakim Ziyech

When healthy, there is no denying that Christian Pulisic is a force to reckon with.

Finding himself alongside a crowded Chelsea roster, getting the nod of Thomas Tuchel is easier said than done.

The 22-year-old struggled with injuries in the past season, mostly occurring when he has been performing well.

Ironically, there is one team where the US Men’s National team star has been scoring well–Crystal Palace.

That was apparent in Chelsea’s match against the Glaziers where Pulisic scored a goal. It was the American winger’s fifth English Premier League goal versus Crystal Palace since joining in the summer of 2019.

Before that, he found the back of the net twice when the Blues won over the Eagles, 4-1, at Selhurst Park last April.

However, the score of Pulisic is far from the prettiest of goals. It came off a loose ball, but this hardly mattered as the American found the net for the Blues' third goal of the game.

In all, it is a testament that if given the right opportunity, the American midfielder can deliver when the opportunity arises.

Pulisic got the chance to start on Saturday with Hakim Ziyech out injured. Alongside Timo Werner and Mason Mount, there was no denying that he made a good account of himself.

Looking ahead, questions are in the air on what Tuchel would resort to especially if Ziyech is back in harness.

Hence, the amount of playing time that Pulisic may get from Tuchel is up in the air for the coming season. Some feel that he is too good of a talent to be a rotational player.

Christian Pulisic of Chelsea FC
Christian Pulisic of Chelsea FC during the Semi Final of the Emirates FA Cup match between Manchester City and Chelsea FC at Wembley Stadium on April 17, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. Getty Images/Chloe Knott - Danehouse

But given the number of players that Tuchel has at his disposal, all the winger can do right now is make the most out of the minutes given and hope for the best.

However, along with that comes the need for him to make sure that he is healthy when the Blues need him on the field.

"Staying healthy is definitely a big target of mine. And trying to be available as much as I can to continue to help my team and make a big impact. We have so many games that you’re going to get your time, so it’s just about making the most of your chances," Pulisic stated via the Standard Sport.

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