Why £58 million signing failed to deliver at Chelsea

Chelsea paid £57.6m to Borussia Dortmund in January 2019 for Christian Pulisic. At 20 years old, the American was an exciting prospect who was garnering attention from many European clubs. A mercurial winger with the ability to go past players and great ball control. His performances at Dortmund gained him a move to London with Chelsea.

As Pulisic’s career unfolded at Chelsea, it became evident that his path to success would be met with obstacles. While his initial transfer generated buzz, the journey that awaited him proved to be challenging. From injuries that sidelined him to intense competition within the squad, Pulisic has encountered hurdles to secure a regular place in the starting XI. These factors, combined with the ever-changing managerial preferences created a complicated situation.

Injuries have plagued the 24-year-old throughout his time at the Bridge. Pulisic has missed over 50 games due to muscle injuries and other physical setbacks that have limited his playing time and disrupted his momentum. Consistent injuries have made it difficult for him to gain a sustained run of form and be a regular starter.

Injuries were major setbacks for Christian Pulisic at Chelsea

Apart from injuries, competition for places in the squad made it difficult for him to break into the starting XI. The Blues have always had a pool of talent to pick from. Pedro and Willian were starters when Pulisic arrived, and next season CFC signed new attackers in Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech. New signings limited his opportunities and sometimes relegated him to the bench. Marquee signings like Romelu Lukaku and Raheem Sterling saw Pulisic go further down the pecking order, with different managers preferring other players over him.

SW6 has experienced frequent managerial changes in recent years, with different managers having varying preferences and tactical setups. Frank Lampard, Thomas Tuchel, and Graham Potter have significantly contrasting playing styles, and Pulisic has had to adapt to each style and prove himself to a new manager. Even his former coach Tuchel, who gave him his breakthrough at Dortmund did not pick him to start games at Chelsea. Playing a changing style and adapting to new tactics every season could be another reason that hindered the American’s progress.

Even when given the chance to start, Pulisic has not been able to fully capitalize on the chance to cement a place in the team. Stats are a good indication of what a player brings to the squad. Some players bring qualities that might not be quantified, but he is not one of those players. Over his time with the West Londoners, there have been glimpses of his talent. His most prolific season was the 19/20 season with 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances.

However, his most notable performances were in the 2020/21 season when he scored a crucial away goal against Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals that saw Chelsea win 1-0. The American provided the assist in the return leg at the Bridge that sealed a 2-0 win for the home side as they beat Madrid 3-0 on aggregate and went on to win the UCL against Manchester City.

It has been a mixture of injuries, stiff competition, changing tactics, and managers that have made it problematic for the player to make a significant impact and be a regular. After four years at Stamford Bridge, in 145 appearances, he has scored 26 goals and bagged 21 assists. His stats with BVB after four years were almost identical with 19 goals and 26 assists in 127 appearances but at different stages of his career.

Chelsea has an enormous squad and is looking to sell players. A move away from the Bridge looks on the card for Pulisic as his time with the West London club has not been ideal. AC Milan has been linked with the 24-year-old winger and a move away might be what reignites his career.