Christian Pulisic made perhaps his most significant contribution yet in a Chelsea shirt in the win at Ajax, and as well as being satisfied with his own efforts in Amsterdam, the American has also underlined just how good the mood is within the camp right now.
Pulisic was brought off the bench for the final 20 minutes on Wednesday with the task of trying to help us win a close game. He had a shot not far wide and another that fell to Michy Batshuayi, who blasted over, but an intelligent low centre was converted by the striker in the closing stages as we secured a precious victory on Dutch soil.
It capped a good recent run for Pulisic, who also assisted Batshuayi against Southampton before the international break, and then impressed after it when Newcastle were in town.
‘I was really happy to be given another opportunity to go on,’ Pulisic said.
‘He Frank Lampard told me to go on and make an impact, make a difference, and I was happy I was able to help a little bit. He said ‘great job’ at the end, he was really happy I came on and made a difference.
‘We had five wins in a row before this, and another away win, a big one in the Champions League, is really important for us. It gives us even more confidence to keep it up. We want to go and make it seven now.
‘Michy is easy to play with,’ added Pulisic of the matchwinner, a former team-mate of his at Borussia Dortmund.
‘We played together for a while so we have a nice connection. It’s crazy we could help with the goal; it was a great finish from Michy.’
Since the end of August, Pulisic’s only start has come in the Carabao Cup win over Grimsby, but the 21-year-old is keeping his head up and insists he remains confident in his own ability, which has been so impressively showcased in each of our last three matches.
‘I’m never going to let that put me down, not playing. I am going to keep fighting because this is where I want to be. I came here for a reason, I want to be here and make a difference. Whenever I get the opportunity I am going to keep working hard to do that.’
It is easy to forget Pulisic is still so young, like many of his Chelsea team-mates. He thinks the blend in the dressing room has been the key reason why we have picked up so many impressive results of late, and he is enjoying being a part of it.
‘The whole team has come together. We have a great mix of youth and experienced players. The team spirit definitely doesn’t need to be questioned. It’s there.
‘Me being the only American I can go with some of the French guys, some of the Brazilians. It’s nice, it’s a good mix. It’s been great getting to know all the guys. I am really happy with how it’s going.’