USA legend backs Pulisic to become a Serie A ‘star’ after Chelsea nightmare of following Hazard

BY ALESSANDRO SCHIAVONE

USA legend David Regis gave an insight into Christian Pulisic’s Chelsea blues, claiming that the task of following in Eden Hazard’s footsteps wasn’t a straightforward one.

Pulisic joined Chelsea for £57.6million from Borussia Dortmund to fill the void left by Real Madrid-bound Hazard in 2019.

But despite a decent first season, opinions across English football were rapidly revised as Pulisic rarely made a difference.

He won the Champions League in 2021 but struggled to get a consistent run of games at Stamford Bridge.

This summer Todd Boehly’s club decided to cut their losses on the USA’s poster boy, letting him move to AC Milan for little over a third of the amount he was brought in for.

But Regis, who represented the USA at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, defended his countryman, saying: “It wasn’t easy for him to replace the great Eden Hazard.

“But if Chelsea spent £64m to sign him they saw something in him. Nobody knows why he never lived up to expectations.

“Maybe Chelsea’s style of play didn’t suit him and many players failed there last season.

“From the outside, it’s difficult to judge, you have to be inside to know stuff but he was in the group that won the Champions League and many people would love to have his CV.

“Messi also didn’t give great satisfaction to PSG fans but that doesn’t mean he’ll be poor at his next club.”

Former Lens and Strasbourg centre-back Regis added: “In England, football is tougher and fouls are not always given while in Italy players are more protected.

“With the technique and heart he possesses I am convinced that he will not have any difficulties in adapting there. He’s an intelligent player and is desperate to prove a point and show people what he’s worth.

“In Serie A his technical and tactical qualities will stand out and he can quickly become a star there.”