Frank Lampard praised Christian Pulisic after the American played an important role in Chelsea’s win over Newcastle.
Pulisic has so far been unable to establish himself as a first-team regular since arriving from Borussia Dortmund.
He missed a chance after coming on as a substitute against the Magpies but was lively – and was involved in the build-up to Marcos Alonso’s winner.
So too was the fit-again Callum Hudson-Odoi, who was outstanding for the Blues.
Boss Lampard described Hudson-Odoi’s display as “really good” and was pleased to see Pulisic make an impact after a tough spell.
Lampard said: “I’m really pleased for him. He’s a hot topic because of his price tag and his status with his national team and world status.
“I think everyone has got a little bit carried away with the short term – the long term is he’s come here, has just turned 21, and to see him play like he did today, there’s a lot more to come.
“You can see his balance and his awareness – you can see how he can play and of course the improvement with all the young players.
“I’m delighted for him, mentally, because he’ll feel good after that – he should do because he was a big part of us winning that game.”
The win was Chelsea’s third in a row in the Premier League and left them in the top four.
“It’s good. We want to be challenging in the top four,” Lampard said.
“From a slightly difficult start that we had, it’s a good sign that we’re moving in the right direction.
“But all that must be is an incentive for us. Football can change in an instant and so our arrival into the top four must only give us the hunger to stay there and move on.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are assessing an ankle injury Ross Barkley picked up during the first half.
This post was last modified on 20/10/2019
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Pulicic should start against Ajax...