Frank Lampard has backed Christian Pulisic to become a success at Chelsea despite Raheem Sterling providing the American with even more competition. Pulisic played just 22 times in the Premier League last season for the Blues – with only 13 of them coming from the starts – and it has led to speculation over his future at the club.
The USA international still has two years left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge, but it's understood he was growing frustrated with his lack of opportunities under Thomas Tuchel last term. Juventus have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old, who moved to Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £54million in 2019.
However, Lampard has backed his former player Pulisic to succeed at Chelsea but insisted he needs more game time in order to do so. Speaking to Pro Soccer Wire, the now Everton manager said: "I think Christian will be a big player for Chelsea, of course, a really big player, but that's absolutely a question for the club and him.
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"Christian needs to play games. I know what he's like, he wants to play all of the time. He's had some injuries. I think it's sometimes held him back at different times in his career.
"So I just hope we get the right solution. I have a lot of respect for Chelsea. It's a huge club in my life and career. So I hope we get the best solution for both."
When Lampard was in charge of Chelsea in the 2019/20 season, Pulisic started 19 of the 25 matches he played and scored 11 goals in all competitions. Lampard spoke about how much he enjoyed working with the "special" USA winger.
"I've got a lot of time for Christian," the former Chelsea boss added. "I think I worked well with him and just tried to develop him and had a really good relationship with him.
"He's got incredible talent. He's a great boy. I found him really pleasurable to work with as well as a talent.
"He's really fast and change in direction, and it's balanced. He's still a young player. It feels like he's been around for a long time because he broke through so young.
"So there's still a lot to come from Christian, but those basics of the speed and balance is not something everyday players have. He's special like that."
Pulisic himself spoke about his future earlier in the summer while on international duty with the United States. The Chelsea winger admitted his frustration with the lack of minutes he got last season but revealed he is excited to work under new co-owner and fellow American Todd Boehly.
"As far as right now, I'm obviously focused on what I'm doing here [on international duty]," the Blues wide man said. "And I'm super excited to be here. And yeah, that's it.
"Of course, I want to get more playing time. I want to be on the field as much as I can and be the sharpest I can be and fit as well.
"I think I still got a lot of games. But it's always something that I'm working at and trying to be regular at club level as well to put myself in the best position to be fit when I come here with my national team."
Asked about Chelsea's new co-owner Boehly, Pulisic responded: "At the end of the season, we were able to meet with them, and they were around the club a lot. They are really good people, so I am excited moving forward."
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