‘Creative’ Chelsea forward has told Tuchel why he deserves to start in Champions League final

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Christian Pulisic has sent a clear message to Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Manchester City.

The 22-year-old played a huge part in helping Chelsea secure a ticket to the Champions League final with his goal and assist in the semi-final tie against Real Madrid.

However, despite the excitement after the second-leg win at Stamford Bridge, Pulisic could not hide his disappointment after having to start the game from the bench.

“Very frustrated. Yeah, not much else to say,” he told CBS Sports in his post-match interview.

For most Chelsea players, the final at the Estadio do Dragao will be the biggest game of their careers.

Thiago Silva and Mateo Kovacic are the only players in the Chelsea dressing room who have been at this stage in the Champions League before.

Unfortunately, it is inevitable that some would have to miss out on the starting line-up, including some of the high-profile attackers.

Pulisic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, and even out-of-favour strikers; Olivier Giroud and Tammy Abraham, are all certainly hoping to be on the pitch on Saturday.

There are only three starting spots in Tuchel’s 3-4-3 system, however. And Pulisic is confident that he can offer something that other Chelsea attackers do not in the final.

Pulisic says he can offer something ‘very different’ for Chelsea

“It’s normal [to face such competition],” Pulisic said in a recent interview with CBS Sports.

“When you come to a big club like Chelsea there’s going to be competition and that really just makes us better.

I have to earn my place always. I have to play hard, and it has helped me improve a lot.

“We have a lot of incredible talent.

“I think I’m a very creative player and someone who can offer something very different with dribbling, those types of movements — I always look to attack.

“I definitely love the big games. That’s why we play football. I don’t need any motivation for these games.

“I’m ready to play, I want to play.”

Chronicle view

The American actually played full 90 minutes when Chelsea beat Manchester City in a league fixture earlier this month.

It is safe to say that he did not really make a good impression, however.

He failed to register any shot on target or create any chances throughout the game, while Ziyech stole the limelight.

The Morocco international has certainly made a case for himself to start in the final, having scored two goals in the last two wins over Manchester City.

On the other hand, Pulisic also made a good point. He is arguably the best dribbler among Chelsea attackers. That can often make the difference in such a big game.