Emile Heskey admits that he is a big fan of Christian Pulisic amid reports claiming Liverpool are planning an ambitious summer move for the £58 million Chelsea forward, speaking exclusively to HITC.
Thomas Tuchel has little time for sentimentality.
Just because Pulisic was handed his big break by the softly-spoken German at Borussia Dortmund, that did not mean the American sensation was guaranteed a starting berth when Tuchel booted Frank Lampard out of the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
Pulisic has started just one of Chelsea’s last ten Premier League games and was hauled off with over 20 minutes remaining during Saturday’s goalless draw with Leeds United.
According to the Mail, the Pennsylvania-born 22-year-old may be embarking on a fresh start under another former BVB boss next term with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool sniffing around.
“I think Pulisic can play in several different ways. He’s exciting. I like him a lot,” said former Liverpool striker Heskey.
“The thing with Pulisic, it looks like he needs to be loved. He needs a manager who’s going to put his arm around him and tell him he’s great. Then you get the best out of him.
“I don’t think he’s got that inner-love for himself.
“He had that massive injury (in the FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal). I don’t think he’s been the same since. When you have a dip like that, you need a manager who can pull you out of that.”
If Heskey is right, Pulisic would benefit immensely from working under a charismatic coach famed for his man-management skills. Remind you of anyone?
Tuchel may have replaced Klopp at both Mainz and Dortmund but that is where the similarities between two of Europe’s finest tacticians end. While the Liverpool boss is as captivating as they come, the same cannot be said of the more professorial Tuchel.
Pulisic produced 11 goals and ten assists during his debut season at Chelsea under Lampard.
And some have suggested that the rocket-fueled wide man would be better suited to Klopp’s typically free-flowing style after struggling for chances in the more possession-heavy approach embodied by Tuchel.
Heskey, however, believes Pulisic has the technique and positional sense to thrive in both systems.
“I still think he can play in a possession-based style as well. Him and Mason Mount pick up some amazing positions. I haven’t seen many better than Pulisic at driving with the ball, with both feet.”
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