Pulisic doesn’t need Barca move, claims US legend
Robin Bairner
- 19 Nov 2021 13:54 CST
- 5 min read
Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic has been linked with a move to Barcelona lately, with persistent injury issues a point of concern over the USA international midfielder.
The 23-year-old Pulisic joined Chelsea in January 2019 from Borussia Dortmund, and though initially loaned back to the Bundesliga club for six months, has been around the Blues’ first-team squad for the past two seasons.
While he has shown flashes of his undoubted potential, he has managed only 81 appearances for the Blues, with ankle problems this season restricting him to only four matches.
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Pulisic, though, played a significant role as Chelsea won the Champions League in May, scoring in the semi-final first leg against Real Madrid before delivering an assist in the second. He was also a regular in the Premier League as Thomas Tuchel’s side went on a strong run.
There is logic, then, to US great Brad Friedel’s argument that it is premature to talk about a possible Chelsea exit for Pulisic after his recent issues.
“I don’t think transfer talk should be spoken about right now,” he told Betway US.
“He needs to be fully fit for an extended period of time and, if he is, I would like to think that he will be in Tuchel’s plans because of his quality. But he does have to be fit for an extended period of time.”
Pulisic's injuries are a worry
When your best players are consistently injured, it’s a concern
- Brad FriedelFriedel does concede, however, that Pulisic’s recent problems do raise some long-term questions.
“When your best players are consistently injured, it’s a concern,” he said.
“You want your best players to also be playing consistently with their club teams and you want them free of injury, and he has not been free of injury. That has also stunted his ability to be a regular for Chelsea.
“I’m sure, if you ask Chelsea are his injuries an issue and are they worrying about it, I think – maybe not on the record but definitely off it – they would say: ‘Yes, it’s a concern.’”
Pulisic, meanwhile, will be up for selection as Chelsea face Leicester away in the Premier League on Saturday, having made two appearances off the bench with the USA over the international break.
