^this^ CP absolutely has to make an impact when he gets his opportunities. Now that Odoi has got his contract extension he is now one step further down the ladder on the wings. I don't think you can really get all that much better if you are not playing... but he could really use this time to bulk up IMO. I just checked his profile and the dude is 5'8" 139 lbs. That is extremely slight. I am 5'8" 160 and that is roughly what Messi plays at.... and no one would say we are exactly robust. CP needs to put on at least 10 lbs of quality muscle over the next year IMO. It shouldn't effect his pace at all if done properly. The EPL is the most physical league around and CP needs to adjust. In the end, if CP gets results on the pitch during his opportunities yet is still finding himself out of the lineup then he needs to hope for a loan to another EPL club. I could see this as a transition year for sure... but by next year the guy needs to be starting somewhere on the regular.
The conspiracy theories about teammates and managers of our yanks abroad drive me insane. CP needs to fight his way back in and then produce when he’s on the field, that’s it. His teammates and manager all want the best players around them and they want to win, that’s it. The fact that Frank believes in young players is a plus for Pulisic not a negative. I think Pulisic has both the tools and the temperament to adapt, improve and thrive.
Exactly--and the EPL adjustment period is another thing to look at. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he never gets out of second gear this season but then comes out next year and absolutely lights it up from day one.
I think people need to begin to wrap their minds around the idea that a guy who has now been beaten out of starting spots at two clubs might not have the ceiling we thought
If this scoreline holds until he hopefully gets subbed on he has a chance to be the hero. [/positive spin]
Well he will not get in. Of course there were two first half injuries at positions he does not play and the third sub needed to be a goal scoring threat not an assist guy.
I don't think it is unreasonable to consider this... you would be a total homer not to. But there is just as much of a chance that he does reach a very good ceiling... just probably not this year or with this club. The move to Chelsea was stupid IMO. Too many wingers to compete with. He should have gone to a mid-tier EPL squad that would allow him to play/develop first. BTW, he lost his job at Dortmund due to injury at 1st... but he was one of the best players on the pitch when he returned. One thing is for sure now.... 3 games and not a sniff of the field. This is a relatively lost season for him IMO. He can use this time to bulk up and get familiar with the opponents. Perhaps make an impact in VERY limited opportunities. He/We need to hope he goes out on loan during the next window. Kind of funny though... one big win against Wolves w/o him and now two games in a row where they could have used a real spark off the bench. This coach is making a statement... it may not be a very smart one. Of course... maybe he is just not cutting it during training? If that is the case then your theory is far more likely. What a waste.
Chelsea played 63 games last year. We’re 8 games in and he’s missed 3. Just stop it. Yes it’s ok to be concerned but it’s still far to soon for this type of reaction.
Chelsea will continue rotating attackers. Pulisic didn't do enough early in the season when given starts but naturally will be given more chances. Willian has had his run, 6 games and not a goal or assist. Mount has been impressive at times but was pretty poor today. I frankly think the Mount hype will fall back to earth. Part of that is because he's not a winger. And Chelsea has 0 pts in the last three where Pulisic has sat. On the positive side, I hope this hardens Pulisic and creates a mean streak ala Dempsey. Pulisic seems too kind and too complacent at times. I'd like to see a more cutthroat mentality.
I think when Mourinho was last there he identified a group of players that were a cancer on the team. He wanted them all to go. Upper management balked, and you ended up with the Jose's last season which was a complete disaster. Hazard, Luis, Fabregas were some if I have it right. And all the Brazilians; who formed a little clique and Jose didn't think were dedicated. I'm not a Chelsea fan; but I heard about this. So, it must be common knowledge.
The upside is he will be very fresh for Cuba... Pulisic will fight his way in or not and move to another club. The mentality that players should only move to clubs where they are guaranteed minutes without learning or improving is a losing mentality. If you think that way, Pulisic should just move to Inter Miami and play on the expansion team. Maybe he can get a loan there! He is 3-5 years from his peak. He will get several runs of games before the season is over. Oh, and Pulisic was starting at the end of the season for Dortmund. Pulisic in May was actually better than Hazard has been so far.
That is the flip side I guess. JM seems like a raving narcissist, so I'm sure he had to blame something. It could be that both are true. There was a serious locker room problem and the game passed JM by. Getting rid of both problems seems to have been the solution. Just taking a few years to do it; while also trying to stay top of the table. Still, it is hard to get as worked up as everyone when: 1. It is September. 2. Lampard has zero track record as a head coach. Before people get their panties in a bunch...#2 simply means we don't have any empirical evidence that Frank can manage and identify talent at this level. Not that he can't do it; just that we don't know yet really.
It was always his dream to play in England and only the top six would be able to afford him. And it is not like any of the other sides in the top 6 seem more appealing right now.
I hope so. Frankie didn't write the check. Frankie wasn't the manager when he was signed. And, I don't think that he's going to do anything that he perceives as putting his job at risk, just because Roman's money is already spent. Frankie inherited CP. But, I hope you're right.
Or, Puli could have stayed at Dortmund, a high quality club, where he was already valued. (there is an enormous gap between Dortmund and Inter Miami). I know you're not suggesting that he couldn't have continued to develop at Dortmund. If he'd stayed, there would be no club created ceiling on his development.