In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs urged Newcastle United to move in for Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic next year. Jacobs said,
“I think if Newcastle made the right offer, that could be very tempting to Pulisic. But he’s one of the players that the World Cup is really going to influence now because he’s stuck at Chelsea until the World Cup.
“If he then doesn’t have the best World Cup, he might feel shunned down the pecking order even further at Chelsea and then think, ‘okay, it’s better I just leave’. But if he has a great World Cup, then I think Chelsea wouldn’t want to get rid of him in January and will be more bullish about the situation. He’s playing under a new manager in Graham Potter who can galvanise him too. So that whole culture in the dressing room, from Pulisic’s point of view, has changed.”
Pulisic’s Unimpressive Start To This Premier League Season
Pulisic has experienced a frustrating campaign at Stamford Bridge as he has struggled to be productive for the Blues in the final third. The 24-year-old has registered just one assist in nine matches for the West London club last season across all competitions.
The United States international has made most of his appearances off the bench which explains why he is only averaging 0.3 shots, 0.4 key passes and 0.4 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when interchanging possession with his teammates in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 82.5% in the top tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
Is Pulisic A Good Choice For Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe?
Pulisic has got decent pace under his belt which he can use to get the better of his marker out on the wide areas. He has got the eye to play a decisive pass in the final third when he is playing with confidence on the pitch. The American sensation can even strike the ball with power but with minimal backlift. However, he has struggled to be decisive for Chelsea in front of the opposition goal.
Pulisic is under contract at Stamford Bridge until the summer of 2024. Thus, it makes sense for Newcastle United to listen to Jacobs’ advice by moving in for Pulisic either in January or at the end of this season.
At 24, Pulisic has got his best years ahead of him which makes him a decent, long-term choice for the Magpies to consider next year. We can expect the Chelsea outcast to add more pace and creativity to Eddie Howe‘s frontline at St. James’ Park.
