Lampard's controversial Chelsea gesture hands boost to Potter outcast
Christian Pulisic's minutes have been limited at Chelsea this year, but that could be about to change with the arrival of Frank Lampard.
The American first came to the Blues when the 44-year-old was in charge having signed from Borussia Dortmund. Chelsea have long had a wealth of attacking options, and that has only increased with the money spent on the likes of Mykhaylo Mudryk over the last 12 months.
Pulisic has played just six times since the turn of the year with former boss Graham Potter preferring other options. Lampard though thought so highly of the American that, when Willian departed in 2020, he handed him the No 10 shirt despite others also desiring it.
Whenever there's a managerial change, albeit an interim one, there are always winners and losers and Pulisic stands to make a massive gain. The winger became the first American to score in an FA Cup final when Chelsea were defeated in 2020 with Lampard at the helm.
Pulisic's lack of involvement has led to speculation he could leave with Erik ten Hag thought to be keen on bringing him to Manchester United. ESPN had reported that the US international was due to lead a summer exodus, but he could be bought back into the fold where a strong few weeks could put him back on the radar of the next permanent boss.
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The forward has shown, in glimpses, what he's capable of in a Chelsea shirt. He's scored 26 times since moving to west London with his most productive campaign coming in his only full season under Lampard, where he notched on 11 occasions across all competitions.
Christian Pulisic has struggled for game time this termLampard had always backed Pulisic to become a "big player" for the Blues and commented previously on his decision to have handed the American the No 10 shirt, which he knew was an ambition.
He told NBC's Inside the Mind: "I wanted him to have it because I felt like he deserved it and he wanted it. He came last year and Willian was almost the man in waiting at the club to take the No.10 shirt and I think it was right he took it with his experience.
"When it became open I think what Christian delivered in his first year more than warranted that he gets the shirt and what it means. I know it means a lot, and there will be a few in that line to try and have that shirt. But I was keen for him to have it and very pleased to actually make the call.
The American was previously a favourite under Frank Lampard"I called him, as he was home at the time, and I could sense he was happy and I get the sense now it's another little push up for him where he can hopefully feel confident that he's here, he's No.10 and the responsibilities that come with that. I've got no worries with Christian.
"As I say, he's hungry and the only thing we have to continue to do is manage him because he's so fast and the way he plays, we have to manage and try to come away from those big injuries he had last year.
"That's something we're working on. We all know what a fit Christian Pulisic can do."
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