Graham Potter has to put 24-year-old Chelsea player in his first starting XI after the World Cup now – opinion

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The World Cup has so far been a positive experience for Chelsea players who are looking to impress those back home.

The likes of Hakim Ziyech, Thiago Silva and Kalidou Koulibaly have picked up praise for their performances for their countries, with the latter being eliminated from the tournament last night at the hands of England.

However, the Three Lions had far less joy up against one Chelsea man earlier in the tournament. Christian Pulisic put in a player of the match performance in the 0-0 draw in the groups.

The 24-year-old followed that up with a match-winning display against Iran despite his injury, helping his country qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup.

Pulisic should start

USA fell short at the next hurdle in the form of a Denzel Dumfries-inspired Netherlands, but he certainly showed what he can do when given responsibility in attack.

His time at Stamford Bridge has hardly seen him nail down consecutive starts, with him not having the opportunity to build any form of momentum for his club.

This season especially has been particularly tough for the 24-year-old. Some of his rare starts have actually been as a makeshift wing-back as Graham Potter has scrambled for options since Reece James’ injury.

With it still being over three weeks until the Blues get their Premier League campaign underway, Pulisic will be well rested from his niggle at the World Cup, and hopefully able to carry his international form onto the club stage.

Potter should reward his fine tournament with an opportunity from the start after Christmas. With the Blues likely to be active in the transfer window from as early as January, it could be one of his last chances to save his career at Stamford Bridge.