Chelsea need USMNT star Christian Pulisic to be more than just Captain America

On one side of the Atlantic, Christian Pulisic is a hero. In his homeland, the classy forward is an icon and inspiration to millions. Over in Europe, however, there is still the odd point to prove. Nobody is questioning his ability, but an unfortunate habit of picking up injuries has rather stunted Pusilic's progress, which is especially concerning in that, at one stage in his career, the American was expected to ascend to greatness.

 
Making it big in the States has always been the aim for leading performers in the worlds of film and music, and Pulisic has one obvious advantage when that pursuit of success is transferred onto a sporting stage. With the goodwill of fellow countrymen behind him, and an armband in place when representing his nation, the potential is there for a confident character to become the USA’s first global superstar of soccer.

 
If such heights are to be scaled, then domestic employers at Stamford Bridge stand to benefit considerably. Chelsea are ticking over nicely again in the 2021/2022 campaign, with the current holders of a prestigious Champions League crown currently priced at 6/1 odds within Space Casino betting on football outright markets to defend that continental prize and 43/20 to capture the Premier League title

Keep showing the next generation what's possible, @cpulisic_10 💪 pic.twitter.com/wvoucZFm3E

— Chelsea FC USA (@ChelseaFCinUSA) August 11, 2021

Pulisic made history last season when claiming the most sought-after of European trophies, becoming the first American to play in the final of the prestigious Champions League tournament and subsequently going on to win it. It is felt that more record-breaking achievements are there for the taking.

 
The bigger picture

 
It appears as though Thomas Tuchel is prepared to be patient with an asset that is worth much more to Chelsea than goals, assists and minutes on the field. Pulisic’s appeal continues to stretch well beyond the boundaries of SW6. He is, however, much more than a marketing tool and key to unlocking riches on the other side of the world. If fit and firing, there is an important role for him to play in an ongoing pursuit of more major silverware.

 
Pulisic has shown during his time in England that he can stand alongside the very best in the business and do more than merely rub shoulders with them. On his day, he is a force to be reckoned with and a potential match-winner. Those days have been few and far between of late, with regular spells on the treatment table preventing him from making a decisive impact where it matters most. He is always welcomed back with open arms, though, once said knocks are shaken off.

Christian Pulisic now has 3 goals in just three starts for club and country so far this season…

If he can stay fit… ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/mL2syZa3GI

— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) November 20, 2021

That says plenty about his standing in west London, with Tuchel fully aware of the qualities that he has to offer a collective cause. He can be an important part of the puzzle when all of the pieces are on the table and ready to be slotted into place.

 
It remains to be seen how long that will remain the case, with transfer talk never far away in modern football, but the promise is there for a long-standing association to be enjoyed. Pulisic is destined to fill a role as Captain America for the foreseeable future, he just needs to be a little more than that at club level.