Christian Pulisic has the right level of confidence to be a potential replacement for Eden Hazard, according to ex-USA international Kyle Martino.
Pulisic will become a Blues player in the summer, having completed a £57million move from Borussia Dortmund.
One of the most exciting young players in Europe, the American could be a superb signing for Chelsea, both in terms of talent and his marketing appeal.
While Pulisic was not brought in as a replacement for Hazard, there are lingering fears that the Belgian will leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
His relationship with Maurizio Sarri doesn’t appear to be strong and he may feel this is his last chance to move to another European powerhouse at his peak.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Martino says Pulisic has what it takes to replace Hazard, in terms of ability and self-confidence:
He can [start] and I think $73million says that Chelsea thinks that he needs to be ready to start. It is big money for a player who’s worth it.
I have talked to some of the US players that were with him and the coaches that have coached him, who have said he is the right side of cockiness.
He has this confidence where he plays and he wants to take over a game and I just think Chelsea are getting a player that, if Eden Hazard leaves, that is ready to come and start right away.
Chelsea fans will hope to see both Pulisic and Hazard dovetailing with one another next season, but it is feeling increasingly unlikely.
Should their current superstar move on, it will be fascinating to see how the 20-year-old fares filling the void.
