Not long after the confetti was cleared from New Year’s Eve, Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund announced they had come to a deal for forward Christian Pulisic. The American international moves to Stamford Bridge for £57.6 million, a record fee for a player from the United States. Pulisic will remain with Dortmund until next season on loan, giving Chelsea the chance to find a place for their new man in the team.
Christian Pulisic – Youth combined with experience
Pulisic offers Chelsea a fantastic combination of youth and experience. He is just 20-years old but has been playing in Dortmund’s senior team since 2016.
The American international made his professional debut at the age of 16 and has since had a mercurial rise in the game. In 81 Bundesliga games, Pulisic has recorded 10 goals and 16 assists.
But his experience stretches beyond the Bundesliga as Pulisic has played 26 times in UEFA competitions, scoring two goals and assisting four.
Christian Pulisic – Was he needed at Dortmund?
Several Premier League teams including Manchester United and Liverpool were after Pulisic’s signature, but it was Chelsea who finally got him. According to Dortmund, the player had long wanted to play in the Premier League and that helped force their agreement with Chelsea.
Yet, Pulisic’s impact on Dortmund seemed to have waned since the end of last term. He has played 11 games, scoring one goal and assisting two. However, Pulisic has only played 485 minutes this term.
The American has started just five league matches while coming off the bench six times. Dortmund manager Lucien Favre has preferred former Manchester City youth player Jadon Sancho.
In fact, Pulisic had lost his place in the side to the Englishman. Sancho has excelled this term playing in 17 Bundesliga matches scoring six times and assisting seven goals.
When given the chance in recent games, especially in Dortmund’s December loss to Fortuna Dusseldorf, Pulisic was poor.
Christian Pulisic – Money well spent?
There is the chance that Pulisic will replace Eden Hazard if the Blues cash-in on the forward. However, he could also be the replacement for Chelsea forward Willian. The Blues will most likely look to rebuild the attack in the offseason, and manager Maurizio Sarri now has a young forward who could be at the club for some time.
Pulisic was a part of the U.S.A.’s failed attempt to reach the World Cup. It was a squad referred to as extremely cocky and arrogant by one ESPN pundit at the time.
While Chelsea have now landed a dynamic, youth player, perhaps they should have paid for Pulisic’s Dortmund teammate Sancho. The second half of the season will give plenty of insight into what Chelsea paid for. Especially, if Sancho continues to play in front of Pulisic and perform well.
Was Christian Pulisic money well spent?