Yes, he should be starting at least one game a week right now going forward. That is enough to make some impact, and if he makes an impact in a game he will work his way as must-start the important matches.
Before his FA Cup injury he seemed to be in a comfortable role, and was using his quickness and speed to produce opportunities in a variety of attacking situations. After the injury he seemed reluctant to go full speed for a while, and it seemed to take a few months to get over that. His short burst speed now seems back to where it was, but he just doesn’t seem at all comfortable in whatever roles he is being asked to play for Chelsea — to the point of being out of sync with the run of play much of the time. Maybe that will be cured by more minutes, but he gives the impression of someone who, when he has the ball, is constantly looking to play combinations that his teammates aren’t. When that comes up empty a few times, he mainly back passes and then decides that runs into the box off the ball are basically the only thing he can add to the attack. I don’t know if he is not mentally absorbing his prescribed role or if it’s something else. It may be beyond his control, because all of the attacking players seem to under-produce in the Tuchel system. But I wonder if he can recapture whatever his mind set was when he was on the rise and wearing the #22. Because that was working for him.
This is *almost* a perfect post I would touch nothing on that post, EXCEPT to add that up until the FA Cup injury....CP not only looked comfortable, but he looked EXCEPTIONAL.... like one of the best wingers in the world at 21 years old (during that June-July 2020 stretch). He was absolutely electric, lethal, pulling all the tricks and then some against Prem competition, including 2 of the world's top teams (Man City, Liverpool), with great G/A production. That is the level he needs to get back at, and maintain fairly consistently....to be considered a sure-fire starter and among best in the world at his position. Does he have it in him? Apparently so. Can he get it back? Remains to be seen. What are the key(s)? Health- of course, Coach- somewhat, Mental fortitude- absolutely. Great players find a way.
@chelseafc twitter posting highlights from the past, including this wonderful memory of Pulisic's first hat trick.
CP needs to watch the Arsenal/Norwich highlights and take notes on Saka's goals. Make some space and aim for the lower corners. You don't need to go top shelf to score from outside the box. Perhaps today? Starts again. Your festive Chels! 🎄@ParimatchGlobal | #AvlChe pic.twitter.com/6Kop9V3pgR— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 26, 2021
I can't recall a single goal from him like the two I saw from Saka today... even when playing winger in a 4-3-3 under Lampard. At any rate... I am a big CP fan. Just kind of agree with some around these parts that he needs to add some long range shooting to his game.
Definitely worried about him playing up top with Mount and Cho. Could be ok on the break but against a bunker they likely won't be able to combine well with Pulisic.
So Lukaku and CHO are back. Interesting...Werner and Harvertz still out. Now is the time for CP to make something happen before all his competition are back.
Mount, Pulisic, CHO? I have to assume this is because of Covid. Because it's pretty pathetic to present that as your attack against Villa.
This team has regressed. They are absolutely clueless once they get past the midfield line. This team threatens no one, sadly.
Just Tuchel revolutionizing the position. Move over False 9, now we got the Decoy 9. Too talented and quick for a defense NOT to leave 2 defenders home, but he will never win crosses barring defensive mistakes, CP10’s primary role is to keep 2 defenders busy. Tuchel going nowhere anytime soon, CP10 may want to gtfo.
James is a great striker. His shot is unstoppable. Even though Villa has James, but Chelsea has CASH. LOL.
While Odoi seems to be building some understanding with Lukaku, CP is becoming more and more irrelevant in the attack. At least TT likes/trusts him enough to find a place to get him on the field.
Pulisic plays a role at the 9 but it’s not his best role and everyone, including Tuchel, knows it. He was much more involved when Lukaku came in. Pulisic will be a factor, it’s finding someone to play the 9 when Lukaku isn’t available will be the key to Chelsea competing for more silverware this year.
Pulisic takes one for the team when he fills in at the 9. Everyone is aware it isn’t ideal and I suspect he gets respect from the team for doing what he can as an undersized dude.