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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Richard Parry

Frank Lampard says Christian Pulisic will be a ‘big player’ for Chelsea and makes Eden Hazard comparison

Frank Lampard has likened Christian Pulisic to former Chelsea star Eden Hazard after another impressive performance for the Blues.

Pulisic continued his recovery from an injury that kept him out of the weekend’s win over Manchester United in their FA Cup semi-final with a blistering 40-minute cameo against Liverpool.

The American international provided a sublime assist for Tammy Abraham before scoring a finally taken strike to bring Chelsea within a goal of levelling against the newly crowned Premier League champions.

Liverpool would run out 5-3 winners in the end, but Lampard was once again impressed with the 21-year-old, and compared some of his performances this season with former team-mate Hazard.

"He is hugely important. He has had that impact," said Lampard in his post-match press conference at Anfield.

"I was here for Eden's first year and it's not easy to come into the Premier League, even for Eden in that first year, and adapt to the Premier League. Christian has had his moments of that.

"Since mid-season he's had a really good patch, since the restart he has been in incredible form. Only the injury he picked up in the Norwich game has kept him out of the [FA Cup] semi-final when he is flying.

"Today he comes on and has 40 minutes, which is great for the injury to feel confident with it and shows the quality that he has been showing. He's so young, he has got such natural talent. He scores goals, he creates goals and he is a big player for us. Delighted to see him come through fit. Clearly he will be a big player for us in these next few games but going forward as well."

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