Frank Lampard praises 'full package' Pulisic after win over Burnley

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard was full of praise for Christian Pulisic after the latter scored a hattrick in the 4-2 win over Burnley on Saturday evening. Pulisic started his first game for the London club since August and made a case for himself to start more regularly after Saturday's performance.  

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'A full package'

Lampard, during the post-match press conference, said, "He way that he's trained over the past few weeks and the impact he's had when he's been playing has said to everyone 'here I am' and what talent he does have. I'm really pleased for him today, it's what we need from all our attacking players - to be a threat, to play like that, to have a ruthless edge about how they finish. He showed the full package today. The first goal, where he waits, then a step over, then moves away from the players. That sort of thing is brilliant and I hope it gives him the confidence that it should do. I'm pretty sure that it will do."

Pulisic signed for Chelsea in a £58m move during the winter transfer window from German club Borrusia Dortmund but joined the club in the summer. He hadn't scored a goal before for Chelsea in his seven appearances for the club and some doubts regarding his ability were emerging to build. However, Lampard had faith and patience in him, slowly integrating him into the squad and allowing him time to adjust to the league. Lampard said, "There’s been a lot of talk around Christian because of the big price tag, the fact he’s a star in his country and captain of the USA national team. I know his back-story and the pressures of a move like that. I also know that he’s played for his country throughout the summer and only had one week’s break. I’ve tried to deal with it in the way I see best, which is to give him minutes. He has played games this season already but I’ve also got competition in that area and I need them all trying to perform when they get in the team. Christian has been doing that recently from the bench, he fully deserved his start today and it was a fantastic match-winning performance."

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Pulisic scored his first two goals in the first half and completed the 'perfect hattrick' before the hour mark.A perfect hattrick is one which is scored with the left foot, right foot and a header. Willian added the fourth goal. The Blues, however, were not able to complete the hattrick as Jay Rodriguez and Dwight McNeil scored two goals - raising a few eyebrows in the Chelsea camp. However, the damage had already been done and Chelsea's three points were not threatened.

The 21-year old became the first individual of American nationality to score a goal for Chelsea and would be hoping that his arrival to the English league is now complete. Speaking to the club's media channel, Pulisic said, "These guys are so fun to play with. We have so much energy. Some of the more experienced guys also bring a really nice touch to the team. Right now we’re just enjoying every moment of it. It was a really good team performance. I just wish in the end we could have kept a clean sheet!" He also added that he is working hard to be a part of the team and make things work for him on the field. 

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