Christian Pulisic's difficult start to the season appeared to take hold on Tuesday as he was left in tears having been substituted on international duty.
The 21-year-old was withdrawn on the hour mark with the United States drawing 0-0 with rivals Canada.
Canada went on to win the game 2-0, their first win over the US in 34 years, after goals from Alphonse Davies and Lucas Cavallini.
Pulisic is the star of Gregg Berhalter's side and so his withdrawal, given his emotional reaction, raised questions as to why he was taken off with the game in the balance.
Berhalter tried to justify the substitution following the defeat by revealing that the player had 'light fever' and was exhibiting 'flu-like symptoms' in the second half.
But replays appeared to show Pulisic tell his manager 'I'm fine' before he sat on the bench, struggling to keep his emotions in check on a frustrating evening both individually and as a team.
dee_mc
544
You guys can blame Lampard all you want, the truth remains that Pulisic is yet to show himself ready for the challenge. Reacting emotionally will only draw pity and make it worse for him. his impact in the Chelsea team doesn't show signs of anything spectacular. nothing gives fans a hint that he can be counted on, even though he's not in form yet. his decisions on the ball are poor. his shots are lame. he doesn't help the defense much. He has to prove himself in any little chance he gets, that's what the manager wants to see. That's how. Loftuscheek stole his way into the team. Pulisic must work and fight for his shirt
Richard-schuller
282
That's your own perspective of whom Pulisic is....Have you ask yourself what qualities Mason Mount has to be ahead of Kovacic in pecking order or Pedro or even Pulisic.....But only favouritism from the Coach and exceptional encouragement and motivational talk Lampard gives him which every player can excel if been given by his Coach....Imagine Earlier Lampard chose Barkley ahead of Willian to be penalty taker on what ground....so Dude....when it comes to Pulisic been on bench is coach decision and its playing style compatibility.....England always hype their players beyond their levels...Pulisic don't need 90mins to prove himself.....soon you will realise that Lampard plan is to make Chelsea second England national team....Imagine Kovacic that was best performer in preseason is sitting on bench for whole 90mins and you call it work ethics.....maybe you can elaborate more on it....Thanks
Noble1
165
Honestly, I think there is a missing link somewhere. Lets go back to his time at Dortmund. He was in the team as a regular, then came Jordan Sancho. Suddenly, he became a sub, some times he was never used. Dortmund cashed in on him. Now at Chelsea, he started slow, but he was getting into the side. Then suddenly Willian regain fitness he drops out of the team entirely. What are my trying to point out here? There is something Christian Pulisic is not doing right at the moment. I think his application and work ethic is not that good. Compare him to Mason Mount in the Chelsea team. You will see there is a huge difference when it comes to application and work ethic on the filed of play. Pulisic might be gifted, but remember talent alone will get you no where. He lacks in certain areas, any good manager will see that. But he can improve. It all depends on him. He only needs to take a cue from players like Willian, young Mason Mount, Odio Hudson......and the rest hard working players in the team. He can also copy Raheem Sterlin of Man city. Just to add. Ross Barkely has the same problem too. That is why for now, you will never see Ross Barkley getting in the Chelsea team ahead of Mason Mount, Kovacic, Jorghino, unless they are injured or unfit. Once, Loftus Cheek comes back. Barkley will even drop further down the pecking order. Now Pulisic's predicament can change he just needs to transform that talent into results or performances on the field of play. He needs to improve his work ethics, and application on the field of play.