Frank Lampard backs Christian Pulisic to become a key player for Chelsea
Frank Lampard believes Christian Pulisic will only get better as he continues to settle into life in the Premier League.
The USA international scored a brilliant solo goal in Chelsea‘s 2-1 victory over Manchester City on Thursday night, having also netted after coming off the bench in Sunday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa.
And Lampard, who rewarded Pulisic with a start at Stamford Bridge, is confident that the 21-year-old will develop his game further after a mixed first season in England.
Christian Pulisic celebrates after scoring against Manchester City on Thursday evening
The American finishes off a superb solo run to score the opening goal at Stamford Bridge
‘Christian came in last summer,’ Lampard said after his side handed Liverpool the Premier League title with a win over Pep Guardiola’s men.
‘Lot of talk about it. He didn’t really get a break when he got in the team. He was playing really well and gets a really tough injury.
‘I wanted to protect him a bit against Villa, see that he could make an impact. He did that.
‘I always planned to start him against Man City because I know what he can bring in these sort of games and he brought it. He did really well.
‘He needs to keep working, he’s a young player but he’s got so much talent and he can get better and better.’
Chelsea remain on course for a Champions League spot, but Lampard insists they still have plenty of work to do in order to mount a title challenge next term.
Blues boss Frank Lampard thinks Pulisic can develop into a top player after a tough first season
‘There is a clear gap and it won’t happen overnight with one or two signings,’ he added. ‘There’s a lot of work that needs to be done.
‘Liverpool and City have been works in progress for a few years now and they are getting a lot of success, a bit of success now.
‘I’m not getting carried away. We can get better. We can be better on the ball. We can have more possession.’