Christian Pulisic - Just getting started.

2019/20 Season Statistical Analysis.

[A Thread.]

On January 2nd, 2019, Chelsea agreed a fee with Borrusia Dortmund for the signature of highly rated youngster, Christian Pulisic.

The deal was set to be for an estimated, £58 million. As a result of the agreement, Pulisic would have to spend the remainder of the season at BVB.

Given the keys to Chelsea’s left side, following the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, it’s safe to say that Pulisic had a lot of expectations coming into his debut campaign.

Fast forward to a year later, and we are all aware of the potential and talent this man has...

Firstly, we are going to look at Pulisic’s goal contributions in his debut season at Chelsea.

2019/20 stats:

34 games.
11 goals.
10 assists.

At first glance, those numbers considering the circumstances we faced, are a great output for a 21 year old in his debut season in the Premier League.

Pulisic missed 3 months of the season from January - March, resulting in considerable less games played.

Let’s look at his output in more depth...

Coming into the season, Pulisic wasn’t primarily known for his scoring and having an impact on his team with goals. This season, the narrative has completely changed.

These are stats per 90 from his career, compared to this season.

Utilising that data, it is clear and obvious to why Pulisic has endured such an increase in goals.

Hits shots per 90 has increased by a considerable, 1.06 therefore leading to an increase of goals per 90. With more shots, his expected goals have also risen - due to causation.

Specifically, the game that really highlighted Pulisic’s increase in shots was on October 26th, 2019, away at Burnley.

In that game, Pulisic would score the perfect hat-trick. More noticeably, Pulisic had a total of 4 shots on target - a 75% conversion rate.

Clinical.

From this chart, we can see that Pulisic isn’t as reliant on receiving goal scoring chances than others.

If you don’t get on to him quick enough, he will punish you - shown by OP Shot-Creating Actions. He ranks in the 94th percentile amongst Top-5 League Players.

Impressive.

Post-Lockdown is were Pulisic’s output was more productive - relative to minutes played.

Pre-Lockdown League stats:

16 games (11 starts).
5 goals.
2 assists.

Post- Lockdown League stats:
9 games (8 starts).
4 goals.
2 assists.

One of the root reasons to why Pulisic’s output increased following lockdown is the role he was given.

The chart below clearly demonstrates that since the lockdown, Pulisic has been Chelsea’s most advanced attacking option. This really benefits his pace and attacking qualities.

Frank Lampard would go on to say:

“I have seen a real improvement in his all-round.”

“Coming to the Premier League is very difficult because of the physical nature of the league and we have to remember how young he is and the summer he had.”

Pulisic has also been able to make an impact off the bench.

This benefits his rampant and rapid style of play to full effect. As the opposition teams are experience fatigue, Pulisic is an option to turn the games on its head.

He’s done exactly that this season.

Perhaps the most appealing part of Pulisic’s game is his dazzling and trickery style of play.

He’s quick, he’s agile, he’s energetic - all descriptions and terms you’d associate with another player...

Eden Hazard.

Just to be clear, this is no way any means of saying that Pulisic is as good as Eden Hazard - not yet at least.

However, they both share very similar attacking qualities.

Here are the stats from their respective, debut campaigns.

We all know what a fantastic dribbler Pulisic is.

He registers 8.27 dribbles per 90 ranking him the 6th best in the league. His dribble completion rate is a commendable 56.05%, also the 6th best amongst wingers.

It’s safe to say, Pulisic is a leading dribbler in this league.

The chart below is a graphic used to represent progressive actions on the pitch.

It’s clearly evident that Pulisic achieves a lot of progressive runs, cutting in off the left side - an action he thrives under.

The passes are from central positions. Another area he operates in.

Pulisic’s playmaking is an ability that doesn’t gain as much attraction as other parts of his game.

In the Premier League, Pulisic has registered a total of 29 key passes - an estimated 1.2 key passes per game.

This would rank him 3rd, behind Mason Mount and Willian.

On the biggest stage of them all, The UEFA Champions League, is where his playmaking abilities have been on display.

Despite featuring in 4 games (3 starts) he has successfully recorded a total of 8 key passes. That’s an estimated 2 per game and 3 per start.

Solid numbers.

All in all, it’s been a great first season for the American.

His potential and talent has been on full display all season, despite recurring injury problems.

With the additions of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and likely Kai Havertz, expect him to thrive even more...

End of thread.

As always, likes and retweets are massively appreciated.

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Sources: http://FBRef.com , http://WhoScored.com , http://FootballSlices.com .