It could prove to be a momentous day for Christian Pulisic as the new Chelsea signing represents the United States in the Gold Cup final against Mexico later this evening.
The 20-year-old has been a key figure over the past few weeks in their run to the final in Chicago, notably scoring twice in their 3-1 win over Jamaica in the semi-finals earlier in the week.
Pulisic joined the Blues in a big-money deal from Borussia Dortmund at the turn of the year but he remained in the Bundesliga for the remainder of the campaign following an agreement between both clubs.
With Eden Hazard now a Real Madrid player following his move to the Santiago Bernabeu last month, fans will be hoping the United States international can step up for Frank Lampard's team and help fill the void left by the 28-year-old.
Well, United States coach Gregg Berhalter believes the attacking midfielder has an "incredibly bright future" ahead of him after making a name for himself for club and country over the past few years.
"What we see with Christian is just how dynamic he is with the ball," said Berhalter (via Daily Mail ). "He just accelerates past opponents and forces defenders into mistakes.
"He then opens up the game for the team. What I particularly like about Christian is his ability to take on information and act on it.
"He has the ability to influence the game from different positions and can unlock defences whether as a No 10 or going wide.
"With the coaching he’ll get in England, he has an incredibly bright future."
In and out of the Dortmund team last campaign with Jadon Sancho really making a big impression in Germany, Pulisic believed the time was right to move on and fulfill a dream by sealing a move to the Premier League.
International teammate Cristian Roldan is confident he will be a success in the top flight, although he has warned fans not to expect the new Hazard once he finally makes his debut for the Europa League holders.
"There’s a reason he’s going to the Premier League," said the midfielder. "He not only has quality but also humility.
"He’s a fantastic guy off the pitch. He’s still a kid but the fact that he bonds with us over the slightest thing is incredible. He doesn’t act like a big star."
He added: "Hazard’s shoes are pretty big to fill but Christian is a similar player whereby he likes the ball to feet and cuts in. He’s very smart."
