Thierry Henry has delivered his verdict on Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic by urging him to try to emulate teammate Conor Gallagher with a big performance from the bench.
Pulisic, 24, has had to be patient at the start of Graham Potter’s reign as Chelsea boss.
The £58million winger was an unused substitute last night during the 3-0 win against AC Milan in the Champions League group stages. Previously, he came off the bench for two late cameo performances in Potter’s opening two games in charge.
It’s a big worry for the United States international that he wasn’t a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel, something that’s continued so far under a new manager as well.
Thierry Henry on Christian Pulisic
Premier League legend Henry has been fairly blunt with his assessment of Pulisic, suggesting it’s down to the player to do more.
He uses Pulisic’s younger teammate Gallagher, 22, as a perfect example. Gallagher came off the bench on the weekend to deliver a lively display against Palace, and he scored a fabulous winner from outside the box.
“How many managers are not going to trust you? It’s got to be you at some point, so find a way. The other day Conor Gallagher came on against Crystal Palace — yes I know he gave him the ball and Gallagher still had to score that goal that will go down as an assist — but it’s showing something. That’s why Gallagher came on tonight because he scored against Palace away,” Henry told CBS Sports.
In fairness, Pulisic’s not had the chance yet under Potter.
The American came on in the 84th minute against Palace, playing a role in the winning goal. Again, he came on in the 84th minute against Red Bull Salzburg during Potter’s first match last month.
It’s been a horrid season so far for the 24-year-old because he can’t seem to get enough chances, which does make you worry he’s not doing enough to impress in training. Of course, that’s purely speculation.
90min recently reported that Potter wants to delay talks about Pulisic’s future at Stamford Bridge until he’s had a fair shot.
It doesn’t look great right now for the left-winger when you consider his lack of football, though. You would like to think at some stage he’s going to start this month due to the sheer amount of fixtures, and he’s got to be ready to shine like Henry says.
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