Jamie Redknapp has claimed Christian Pulisic is filling the void left by Eden Hazard at Chelsea.
The American struggled to get going at Stamford Bridge following his arrival last summer, but has returned in top form after the Premier League restart.
Pulisic scored in each of the first two games back, and won his side a penalty in Chelsea's latest clash with Watford on Saturday.
His creativity has been a welcome boost to Frank Lampard's side, who have been lacking in that department since Hazard's departure to Real Madrid.
Redknapp told The Mail : "There was a reason [Watford's] Etienne Capoue sprinted 20 yards to confront Christian Pulisic at Stamford Bridge.
"He was petrified of what Pulisic would do with the ball in the box, and he wound up giving away a clumsy penalty. That’s the threat the American is carrying right now.
"This was a signing that Frank Lampard inherited when he became Chelsea boss in the summer, with the club having lost Eden Hazard.
"Now Pulisic is looking like he could be Lampard’s most important player."
Pulisic looked to be running out of room as he headed towards the byline in Saturday's fixture, as Capoue made a beeline to stop him from crossing.
But the winger showed quick feet and an awareness of his marker to shift the ball past Capoue and draw the foul.
It was his latest notable contribution to Chelsea in a season where he initially failed to cement his place in Lampard's starting XI.
His goal against Man City at the end of last month also impressed, after he showed defender Benjamin Mendy a clean set of heel before applying a composed finish past Ederson.
Redknapp speculated the 21-year-old had used the lockdown period to "bulk up" and feels Pulisic is playing with a renewed confidence after the break.
Ross Barkley has also commented on his teammate's improved form.
"Since Christian came back from lockdown he has been on fire," Barkley said. "He had a couple of little niggles earlier in the season, and he didn’t have much of break last summer before he joined us.
“So maybe this break has done him the world of good. Since he came back he has been blazing. He has been scoring great goals in training, and now he is doing it in matches.
“He is such a difficult player to defend against, because he is so direct. He is so confident. He is always ready to try and take a player on. He is a real problem for defenders."
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