Well, I guess I’m speaking from experience-I was faster at 17 than I was at 23, but I’m Not a world class athlete. As Injuries occur and as some have body changes over time, I imagine it happens to others. But I see what you all saying. Still, I wouldn’t get hung up on one word.
There was an ESPN+ article a few months ago that I highly recommend. to sum up the pertinent point a work class attacker evolves like this Teens/early 20s - lots of sprinting and dribbling wins and you tube highlites, mostly on the ball Early to mid 20s - a slow change from dribble attacks, sprinting with the ball, to more off ball running, less take ons, more passing, better positioning, and more deadly in a few touches and moves in space (that you earned with your off ball movement) Mid 20s to 30 - world class attacker that article came out during a poor stretch of play for Pulisic maybe half a year ago with Chelsea when he struggled recovering his from from that ankle injury - It noted that progression with attacking players, and with Pulisic specifically, he wasn’t doing much running OFF the ball. So when you hear Pulisic talk, it’s nice to know that he’s protecting his body, but what you should really take away is that he’s realizing his sprinting is better off left OFF THE BALL than in carrying the ball into danger - and that he’s transitioning into a true world class attacker. Speed on the ball and dribbling and beating people 1v1 is vastly overrated in this sport. What’s ultimately going to make an attacker successfull is vision, tactical awareness, and enough speed and endurance to take advantage of space off the ball - and technique to be dangerous to take advantage of gained space
Movements and attack in those 5 zones is what makes Pep systems so bad ass, so hopefully that can rub off on Pulisic
Of course he didn't expressly admit that he's lost a step, but there was statement that he's playing slower to avoid injury and save his body.
Sterling will still be overplaying and running into dead ends with his head down when he’s in his sixties ..
This all makes sense to me but I think his off-the-ball pace has dropped too. He used to be Bo Jackson Tecmo Bowl fast getting to a spot in the 18 for a final pass and now he just looks above average for a winger getting to "the spot". IMO, seeing the correct lane in the final 18 is his greatest gift as an attacker. He has a real knack for attacking the box w/o the ball. Just doesn't seem as quick to get there. There was actually an example in this past preseason game where I saw that sprint from him and he was just outpacing his defender rather than leaving him in the dust. In the end there are plenty of elite attackers that only have good to great pace and I think CP is in that category WRT speed. It is just that he used to be elite in that category. I think it could be better for his long-term ability to stay healthy so that is a good thing but all else held equal it sure helps to be able to hit the turbo button. Just hope that boost gets a bit faster as the injuries get further in the rear view.
Again, if anyone watched the America match, I saw plenty of speed and burst. I think it’s still there, but we are all Judging off the “eye test.” I think he gets slower as season progresses and fatigue sets in, and I get it. The Prem season and all competitions is a damn grind, in addition to international duty.
It also seems like he gets slower after he starts a legit series of games. He seems like the kind of player that needs a bit more rest. That being said, it is difficult to produce consistently if you are not playing consistently. So what is the proper number of minutes?... and how much time as a starter vs sub? I would prefer more minutes as a starter and less as a sub this season. I would like to see three starts, one sub and one bench per five games.
Tuchel has said that he will manage the attackers differently this year because of the allowed five substitutions.
I think a lot of Pulisic's struggles at Chelsea are down to injuries and that people make way too much of his limited minutes because they don't take into account how much of the time he has been out or less than fully fit, not to mention the lack of getting in a good playing rhythm because so many times after a good run he ends up hurt and the need to manage minutes for a often injured player. He's also still growing as a player and can be a bit up and down still, which is typical for a young player. I fully believe if he can have a year of being healthy and mostly available we will see improvements. To be useful to a team at the level of Chelsea that is packed with quality options, nothing less than a 100% Pulisic is good enough. But, a 100% Pulisic is valuable anywhere. If we get to see more of 100% Pulisic, we will see him on the field more often. And for a player still only 23, he has already had a ton of high level success, including big goals and solid games at Chelsea and a few trophies he played his part in winning. A less than 100% Pulisic would still be a key player at a lot of clubs and he can always drop down a level if he doesn't get more minutes over the next couple years. But I'm glad to see him still giving Chelsea another shot this year.
Our attacking options leave a lot to be desired because unfortunately I support Sporting KC, but Chelsea's attacking options seem to be mostly Mount, Pulisic, Havertz, Werner, and Sterling right now. CHO could go out on loan. Ziyech seems bound for Italy. Broja - who knows at this point. Did I miss anyone? And Tuchel has said he is less-concerned about the attack than fortifying the defense.
Blimey it’s worse than I imagined.. Looks like you will get Kounde along with Koubaily your defence will be sound
so where's all the promotional stuff for Chelsea this summer? Shouldn't Pulisic be all over that kinda stuff?
Thunderstorm looks to be moving through quickly on radar. Orlando/Arsenal also delayed due to weather.
Lol ESPN showing Man City vs Club America on Cable TV while locking the match that has an American superstar against a domestic MLS team behind a stream. Make it make sense.