Pulisic admits midfielder 'can dominate' with his own future unclear

Stuart Telford

• 18 Mar 2023 11:25 GMT
• 3 min read

Christian Pulisic has been impressed with Chelsea record signing Enzo Fernandez, but it is unclear how long they will remain teammates at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea met Fernandez's €120 million release clause at Benfica in January, a month after the midfielder won the World Cup with Argentina, making him a British record transfer.

Fernandez has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge, impressing in midfield despite the patchy form of some of those around him.

READ: Enzo Fernandez tells Chelsea to sign Joao Felix

Pulisic, who cost €64m when he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, has only started six Premier League games this season, but he has enjoyed his limited playing time next to the Argentine.

Pulisic: 'Fernandez can dominate'

"Some of the guys have come in so naturally," the USMNT star told ESPN. "Enzo Fernandez, the way he's come in…"

"After you have a World Cup like that, the confidence aspect is there; he knows he can play in the biggest games in the world. He's come in with a big price tag, and I have to give him credit. He's done a good job.

"The way he passes the ball is clear. The way he can dominate a midfield is impressive. I think he's a really strong young player."

READ: The SIX players who could leave Chelsea this summer

Chelsea head coach Graham Potter only has a win ratio of 41.4 per cent since succeeding Thomas Tuchel in September, but there has been a recent turnaround with consecutive victories over Leeds, Borussia Dortmund and Leicester.

Fernandez has started all three of those games, whilst Pulisic has only had 25 minutes from the bench over the period.

Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leeds were linked with moves for Pulisic over the winter transfer period, but nothing materialised.

The American winger has a contract valid until June 2024 at Stamford Bridge. Currently valued at €35.4m by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, he could be available for a knockdown price next summer.