Christian Pulisic Doesn’t Want to be Compared With Eden Hazard

The leader of the US soccer team Christian Pulisic has ruled out any attempts of comparison between himself and Chelsea’s former superstar Eden Hazard. Blues’ new playmaker wants to be unique, and isn’t keen on being linked to Hazard in such a manner.

Pulisic, who is one of the most talented midfielders in the world, became Chelsea’s player in January when Blues paid $73 million to Borussia Dortmund. He remained in Germany until the end of the season, when he moved to London. After this deal went through, the guy from Hershey, Pennsylvania, became the most expensive US soccer player ever.

The English powerhouse projected him to replace their former leader, Eden Hazard who is now a member of Real Madrid. The American accepts that role, but doesn’t want to bee seen as Hazard’s replicate.

“I’m not here to compare or anything,” said Pulisic to Sky Sports earlier today.

‘For me, it’s coming in as my own player, proving myself and doing the best I can to help this team'https://t.co/Q1lDSurT0r

— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) July 20, 2019

He stated that the Belgian international is no doubt a fantastic player, and that his mark in Chelsea is enormous. Still, Pulisic’s goal is to create a name for himself and became a brand of his own, without the imitation of other stars.

“For me, it’s coming in as my own player, proving myself and doing the best I can to help this team,” stated the 20-year-old.

Hazard’s influence on Chelsea’s performances has been massive, and there is no doubt that the youngster has a huge challenge ahead of him. In eight seasons at Stamford Bridge, Hazard played 245 games, scored 85 goals, playing a vital role in six trophies, among them two Premiership titles and two Europa Leagues. Besides that, he was the factor which gave this team the advantage against almost any opponent.

In order to begin his stint in London in the best possible way, Pulisic first has to adjust to the new environment. His plan is simple – hard work.

“Right now it’s going in and helping the team whatever way I can. It’s just bringing an intensity into the training first of all and earning respect in the beginning.”

A lot of pressure is on the shoulders of this youngster, and he is expected to be Chelsea’s main weapon in overcoming the adversities this club faces at the moment. Frank Lampard’s side can’t sign players in the next two transfer windows because of violating FIFA’s rules in the past. Therefore, the club has to rely upon the current roster, making Pulisic the essential figure in that equation.

After the departure of Hazard and the manager Maurizio Sarri, his arrival alongside Lampard’s is the only bright spot for the fans in the last two months. Therefore, expectations are huge.

'I'm really happy to be here with the team. It feels good.' 😀

Hear the thoughts of @cpulisic_10, following his first minutes in a Chelsea shirt! #CFCinJapan pic.twitter.com/BQAB1hv5ll

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 19, 2019

The odyssey in blue jersey didn’t start in the best possible way, as his debut ended with a loss to J1 champions, Kawasaki Frontale. The next opponent will be even tougher – Barcelona.

The Blues are facing the Spanish titan this Tuesday in Saitama. It will be a perfect chance to see Pulisic against a super-strong opponent and to measure his current capabilities.

In his young professional career, he played only for Borussia Dortmund before joining Chelsea. In three years at Signal-Iduna Park, Pulisic made 90 appearances and scored 13 times. The fans adored his style of play, and he quickly became the favorite of the Yellow Wall. In the 2016-17 season, he won the German DFB Pokal with the Millionaires.

Regarding the international experience, he already has 31 games for the USMNT and 13 hits.