KEY POINTS

  • Pulisic's dribbling ability was hailed
  • Pulisic has been compared to Landon Donovan
  • Pulisic is getting added time to heal from league suspension

One of the top names in football would have been likely playing right now had it not been for the coronavirus. Christian Pulisic, 21, was widely speculated to be returning to action for Chelsea, but plans for that got stalled with football action indefinitely suspended.

In a previous post, it was mentioned how Pulisic seemed ready to make his return from an adductor injury. He made several posts via Instagram, showing everyone that he was already running and ready to join the Blues. Unfortunately, Frank Lampard felt it was not yet right, opting to keep him out for now until the timing was right. Pulisic never got that chance although the scenario could change once league officials deem it fit to resume matches. The 21-year-old winger has been out of action since New Year's Day.

Even if he is indisposed due to his thigh injury, some people would love to see him back in action. That includes his teammate Aaron Long, who could not help but marvel at how swift his United States Men's national teammate was in dribbling the ball. He points out Pulisic's uncanny ability to accelerate, calling to mind USMNT legend Landon Donovan.

“His acceleration, and it’s not just his top speed, it’s quickness and top speed mixed," Long said to ESPN. “The way he can dribble around defenders and make it look effortless is crazy. It’s something I’ve never seen before.”

With Pulisic still on the rise, Long believes that Carlos Vela of Mexico is the best player today. But he sees his teammate easily surpassing that at some point, especially once he gets to resume playing football for Chelsea. Other than Pulisic, Long also pointed out another teammate in Tyler Adam of RB Leipzig as a player to watch. Both are ironically dealing with injuries but the COVID-19 lull could help both heal up well.

There is no telling when football action can resume, although players like Pulisic dealing with injuries will benefit from it. They are getting the much-needed rest to recuperate while the league is on pause. Whether it be this season or next, Pulisic should be ready to return to Chelsea and provide Lampard and the team a boost.

Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic scored his maiden hat-trick for USMNT Sunday Getty Images