Can Pulisic Transform Chelsea the Way Hazard Did?
Can Pulisic Transform Chelsea the Way Hazard Did?
When Chelsea made their bid for Tyler Pulisic in the summer, their motivation was clear: to find a successor for Eden Hazard who would continue to deliver on the tactical and competitive levels required in the Premier League. Given that Hazard was set to depart the club, it was imperative to secure a player who could step into his shoes.
However, the start of the season was anything but smooth for Pulisic. Inexperienced and untested, he found himself regularly thrust into the reserves, with Mason Mount and Hakim Ziyech garnering the trust and starting spots that were once enjoyed by Hazard. Thomas Lampard, who was in charge at the time, opted to give young and experimental players a chance, despite Pulisic's struggles to integrate and perform at a consistently high level.
The captaincy of the United States national team also provided an unexpected challenge, making it harder for Pulisic to focus on his form for Chelsea. In addition, the mental burden of replacing a legendary player like Hazard was daunting. However, Pulisic refused to give up hope. Through relentless training and professional dedication, he steadily made his way back into Lampard's confidence. His performances have been a testament to his determination and potential.
Indeed, Pulisic possesses outstanding talent and is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for the Blues. Like N'Golo Kanté or Antonio Conte, who were instrumental in Chelsea's successes, Pulisic has the potential to become a legendary Chelsea player. But to achieve this, he must continue to work tirelessly and maintain consistent contributions on the pitch, ensuring that his goals and assists truly reflect his prowess.
It's worth noting that even the great Eden Hazard, upon first joining Chelsea, took time to adapt to life in the Premier League. Despite the initial struggles, he emerged as a world-class player, impressing with his creativity and explosive dribbling. Similar to Hazard's journey, the path for Pulisic will be challenging, but it is filled with potential, particularly if he remains committed to his training regimen and contributes consistently on the field.
How will Pulisic fare in the long run? It is too early to provide a definitive answer, given his young age and relatively short tenure at Chelsea. As of now, his impressive form in his first few starts is promising. He has already scored five goals in three league games and has consistently shown the ability to make an impact when given the chance.
The question of whether Pulisic can become a Chelsea legend alongside the likes of Hazard will be answered over the next few seasons. For now, his assured performance in recent matches gives us ample reason to believe that, with continued hard work and dedication, he can emulate Hazard's legacy.