Chelsea: Christian Pulisic arrives amid massive Eden Hazard comparisons

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard seems to be going out one door as Christian Pulisic comes in another. How do the two wingers compare at similar ages of arrival?

Eden Hazard played his last match at Stamford Bridge. His match winning performance has raised the bar again for the incoming man, Christian Pulisic. There is no doubt Pulisic has to deliver as a Champions League place is secured. The Champions League brings more games and higher expectations. It also means fewer second chances for players and staff at Chelsea. But that is nothing new for the Blues.

Chelsea signed Pulisic for almost twice the fee they paid for Hazard. By the time next season begins, Pulisic will turn 21 and many pundits will be eager to compare his contributions with what Hazard brought to Stamford Bridge.

Despite his record and potential, questions still surround Pulisic coming into his first season. No one player can replace Eden Hazard, so could Chelsea have bought several players with the amount they paid for Pulisic? Adding to the concern is Pulisic’s apparently declining resistance towards injuries.

Since the 2016/17 season, he has missed 112 days and 18 games. That includes 72 days and 11 games in the 2018/19 season alone. Hazard’s eight years at Chelsea saw him miss out on 192 days and 20 games in total, and only 12 days and three games in 2018/19.

The most worrisome projection is Pulisic going to be the next Gareth Bale: immense talent but injuries never allow him to be the regular part of the team.

When Hazard arrived at Stamford Bridge from Lille, he was a 21-year old with a price tag of £32 million. His impact was instant, producing 14 assists and 10 goals. In his first year, he won the Europa league and the following year he took the PFA Young Player of the Year award. How did Hazard perform when he was a 20 year old at Lille and how has Pulisic compared at the same age?

Hazard obviously did quite well at Lille. Although Pulisic played in a tougher league, Hazard proved to be the best investment for Chelsea. The similarities between Hazard and Pulisic cannot be ignored. Their playing styles are a very similar, while their low center of gravity, movement and height allows them to play on either side of the pitch.

Hazard arrived at Chelsea having already proved his worth at Lille. Pulisic was still finding his feet at Borussia Dortmund when he became a Blue, with his progress repeatedly hampered by injuries.

But neither Willian nor Pedro will be able to do what Pulisic can, especially in Hazard’s absence. Chelsea bought him specifically to step into for Hazard’s role. Using him in place of Willian or Pedro would be a mismanagement of his skills.

With an aging squad and many academy youngsters knocking on the door, Pulisic has an Everest-sized mountain to climb. The constant comparisons to Hazard will be the toughest test of his young career.

The new season is only four months away and life without Hazard will be interesting to watch.