Christian Pulisic sat down with the Premier League prematch crew this week to discuss his role at Chelsea, life under Graham Potter, playing against Cristiano Ronaldo, and even his European hero growing up in the United States.
It might surprise you to find out that Pulisic’s favorite player growing up was Portugal’s Luis Figo, ironically knocked out of the 2002 World Cup in part by the U.S., but it won’t surprise many to hear that Pulisic’s anxious to play as much as possible for Chelsea.
The Blues next play at 2:30pm ET Wednesday at Brentford (Watch live on USA Network and online via NBCSports.com).
[ MORE: Premier League picks, odds for Week 12 ]
“It’s hard,” Pulisic said. “It’s hard when you don’t get to find a rhythm. That’s obviously where I want to be, playing consistently, and I have to earn my position there for sure. It’s tough to be in that position sometimes but it’s just about being ready and giving it everything when I do get the chance.”
Curiously, Pulisic was asked whether he rather play his preferred position sometimes or play out-of-position and play more often.
“Ideally you want to be playing regularly in your best position but any time you can be on the field is a positive,” he said. “That’s absolutely where I want to be.”
Christian Pulisic on playing under Graham Potter
Pulisic likes what he’s seeing under new boss Graham Potter, and says there’s a difference between training under Thomas Tuchel and Potter.
“In trainng the No. 1 thing is we’re training in bigger spaces, a bit more like the game, maybe some longer runs,” Pulisic said. “That’s the No. 1 thing I’ve noticed.”
Pulisic says he believes Chelsea is close to finding its ideal form. The Blues have five-straight matches across all competitions.
“We’re not far off at all. We’ve made a lot of changes to put ourselves in a good position. The performances we’ve put in regularly... it’s just about being consistent now. The way we’re moving now, there are only good things to come. We just continue with this mindset. It’s what this club does so well, continue to fight to win trophies.
Christian Pulisic on Cristiano Ronaldo
Pulisic was asked about Cristiano Ronaldo, and later called upon the name of another Portuguese here when asked
“His quickness and creativity, also his timing,” Pulisic said. “The way he puts himself in positions to be on the end of chances. ... There’s a reaosn why he is what he is and has done what he’s done. He’s one of the best to ever do it and you can see the way he takes care of himself is remarkable.