Christian Pulisic's Sparse Minutes With Chelsea Could Affect World Cup Performance
KEY POINTS
- Christian Pulisic's lack of minutes may compromise his performance at the 2022 World Cup
- Pulisic faces tall order cracking the Chelsea rotation of Graham Potter
- The American soccer star cannot rely on a possible transfer to another team
Chelsea has a stacked lineup with the likes of Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in tow.
This has contributed to the fact that Christian Pulisic has been getting sparse minutes, a reason why he considered leaving Chelsea for another club.
Unfortunately, that has not happened and the 24-year-old midfielder will have to be patient.
But his lack of playing time may be a concern for the United States men's national soccer team with the 2022 World Cup just around the corner.
Against AC Milan, Pulisic wasn't featured despite Graham Potter emptying his bench.
He managed to register an assist against Crystal Palace, but his effort was hardly felt.
Heading into the Blues' next match against the Wolverhampton Wanderers, the chances of seeing the American starting for Potter may happen, but nothing is not set in stone.
The fact that the Blues have played three matches in seven days ups the chances of the Pennsylvania native possibly getting called to start.
But the fact that Pulisic has hardly logged minutes for the team raises questions on whether he would get the chance to truly show off his talent.
It is worth considering that aside from Aubameyang and Havertz, Pulisic needs to contend with guys like Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling.
This makes it doubly hard for the American to fight for a spot in the rotation of the Blues.
Tied to that, it could have dire repercussions for the United States.
If Pulisic is unable to fine-tune himself, such is a worrying factor that could impact the chances of the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup.
"I think it's a little bit worrying for Americans in terms of the World Cup," CBS Sports studio analyst Jamie Carragher said.
Given his talent, Pulisic's fate may rest in his hands.
No less than French football coach Thierry Henry raised this to Pulisic, stressing that he needs to find a way to get proper playing time.
"How many managers are not going to trust you? It's got to be you at some point, so find a way," Henry stressed.
Pulisic is left in a bind after not getting his wish to be transferred.
But with time running out, the attacking midfielder may need to find some other ways for Potter to utilize him more despite a crowded and talent-riddled rotation.
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