These are stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Berhalter sees Pulisic as a leader

US national team head coach Greg Berhalter has opened up on the importance of Christian Pulisic to the new generation of players after picking his team to face Wales in a friendly during the upcoming international break.

Speaking to ProSoccerTalk, Berhalter spoke about seeing Pulisic as a leader and also gave Chelsea praise for how they have dealt with his injuries.

‘I know Chelsea is doing everything they can. I know he is doing every single thing he can and he is really focused and dedicated to staying fit,’ he said.

‘I believe he will get to this level of resistance where he stays fit, but building that up sometimes is challenging.

‘I know he’s a fantastic player and it is great to see what he’s been doing, but he’s in good hands with the club and they are doing everything they can to get him on the field.’

When asked about Pulisic being seen as one of the leaders of this year’s team at the age of just 22, Berhalter was clear this is based on the amount of experience he has had playing in Europe.

‘Absolutely,’ he said. ‘He is one of the leaders on our team and we will rely on him to help us guide this team.’

‘At such a young age he’s already played a ton of Champions League games, World Cup qualifiers, you name it he’s done it. He certainly is a leader on this team.'

Rio raves about Ziyech

After overcoming his knee injury, Hakim Ziyech has impressed pundits up and down the country with his performances in blue for Frank Lampard.

Rio Ferdinand is the latest to praise the Moroccan after his role in the 3-0 win away at Burnley.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, and as reported in the Metro, Ferdinand believes Ziyech will become one of Frank Lampard’s key attacking players.

Ferdinand will have been aware of Ziyech from his Ajax days as one of the top BT Sport pundits that cover the big Champions League fixtures.

‘I think Ziyech, out of all of them, has been the one he’s wanted to bring back most because he brings you that little bit of difference,’ stated Ferdinand on his channel Five.

‘He’s the person who’s always looking for that little pass, that little bit of difference, he plays the hard pass, the risky pass that gets you the big reward.

‘I’m sure Havertz, Timo Werner, Tammy Abraham etc, they are all going to want to play with someone like him because he will put chances on a plate.’

Blues eye Chukwueze

According to reports from 90min, the Blues have joined the race to sign the Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal.

The report states that the Blues are part of a long list of clubs that include Manchester United, Leicester and Everton who are looking to add the winger to their books.

It is believed that Chukwueze has been considering his future in Spain and believes a move to England could be the next step.

A big release clause could be the biggest issue to turn clubs away from Chukwueze as Villarreal will be looking for anything above £80 million.

Chukwueze has been an important part of the side, breaking into the first team in 2018. Last season he registered four goals and six assists in all competitions.

Chukwueze is regarded as a very direct winger in Spain, a similar type to former Blues winger Arjen Robben who made a career of coming off the line and forcing one-on-one situations with wingers.