Christian Pulisic has left a subtle hint for Chelsea and Graham Potter on social media ahead of the club's return to domestic action. The American had a successful two weeks away with his country, winning two from two and captaining the UMSNT once more.
Having not started a game since January 5 due to injury and two months on the sideline he has now played from the get-go in three straight matches. Against Everton before the break he got the nod ahead of Mykhailo Mudryk, returning to Potter's XI once more.
It came after two substitute appearances against Leicester and Borussia Dortmund that both gave off differing impressions. He was initially preferred to Mudyk in the Champions League but then left on the bench against the Foxes with the Ukrainian granted a start in a central area.
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Pulisic now faces more competition than ever to get minutes for the Blues with extra attacking reinforcements at Stamford Bridge. For his country, there is no such pressure on him, though there is the expectation to lead by example, something he has done consistently for USA.
There is now the task of getting a place in Potter's plans consistently before the end of the season as uncertainty around his future continues to linger. Pulisic is out of contract in 2024 but faces an ultimatum this summer with Todd Boehly unwilling to let players run down their deals.
Pulisic had been close to leaving the club last year but nothing was completed despite interest from AC Milan, Manchester United, Juventus and Newcastle. Before he turns to fully deciding where his next steps lay the 24-year-old has the chance to change how he is viewed at SW6 and has made a timely change to his social media.
In a small but noticeable swap, Pulisic's new profile picture on Twitter is now of him holding the Champions League trophy closely after the victorious night in Porto. The winger played a key part in the semi-final ties against Real Madrid, scoring and assisting over the two legs despite being put on the bench for the second match.
As a reminder for those who have doubted him, Pulisic's change of image represents a proud moment for him and USA, becoming just the second player from America to win the trophy. He is the only USMNT player to ever play in the final too and reflected the joy in his celebrations.
“I’m just so proud to be here,” Pulisic said afterwards. “It's been a difficult road for me. I couldn’t imagine winning the Champions League ever in my life, and now I’m here.”
The attacker will be in the mind of Potter before the trip to Madrid in just over two weeks time and his experience in the competition may well play a key role in how the side fairs, especially with Mudryk still such a novice.
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