Lampard Fires New Boy Warning Over Starting Place

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Christian Pulisic needs to “work daily” to show he deserves to have a regular place in the Blues first team. The United States international did not even make the bench for Wednesday’s Champions League match at Lille and has struggled to make his mark since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Pulisic’s £58million transfer from Borussia Dortmund was agreed in January before Lampard was named manager and it has been suggested he does not fancy him.

Pulisic has not played in the Premier League since August 31 and may not even be selected as a substitute for the Blues’ fixture at Southampton on Sunday.

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After joining the club for a significant amount of money, more was expected of the American, who turned in an underwhelming display in his recent start against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup.

Despite the disappointing start to his time with Chelsea, Lampard is calling for calm, although he has said the player needs to work hard to force his way in. “He’s level. I spoke to him two days before the Grimsby game and was very clear about the standards and we have to give him the fact he’s moved country and moved leagues,” Lampard said.

“He’s as young as all the young players we keep talking about. He’s just turned 21, so I think, if anyone is getting too excited about this, they should calm down because he’s started five games for us. “What he needs to do is work, work daily, work to show within the group that he deserves to play as all the players do, so that’s what the focus on everyone is.”

Pulisic was not the only high-profile player not involved at Lille, with Ross Barkley not in the 18 and Lampard admits it is tough to leave quality players out, but he has no option.