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Christian Pulisic has backed a $165 million German duo to make their mark at Chelsea this season after a disappointing first year in England

Aug 12, 2021, 16:29 IST
Insider
Pulisic celebrates with Havertz, Werner, and Hakim Ziyech during Chelsea’s pre-season win over Arsenal. Getty/Harriet Lander
  • Christian Pulisic has backed Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to make their mark at Chelsea this season.
  • The $165 million German duo both struggled during their first season in the Premier League.
  • "We know what they're what they're capable of," Pulisic told Insider.
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Christian Pulisic has backed Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to make their mark at Chelsea FC this season following a difficult first year in England.

The German duo both moved to Stamford Bridge from the German Bundesliga last summer in big money moves.

Striker Werner arrived from RB Leipzig for a fee of $66 million, while midfielder Havertz was purchased from Bayer Leverkusen for a club record fee of $99 million.

Despite their hefty price tags, however, both players struggled to find their feet in West London.

Werner - who scored 34 goals for Leipzig during the 2019/20 campaign - managed just six Premier League goals in 35 matches, while Havertz often found himself benched by both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.

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Pulisic, who also arrived at Chelsea from the Bundesliga in 2019, has backed both players to come into their own this coming season.

"I think there's a lot of confidence within the group, because of the way that last season ended," the American told Insider.

Chelsea ended last term on a high by winning a surprise Champions League title, with Havertz scoring the winner in the final against Manchester City.

"I think [Werner and Havertz] are starting to be more comfortable," he added. "We know what they're what they're capable of.

"It was a similar thing with me, and I think, hopefully, things will start to click and we'll have a very successful season."

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Pulisic recently signed a long-term deal with global sports brand Puma. PUMA

Pulisic himself is also hoping for a strong 2020/21 campaign after what was an injury plagued last season.

The 22-year-old missed 14 matches through injury last term, but managed to reestablish himself as a regular in Thomas Tuchel's side towards the end of the term.

In pre-season, Pulisic started in Chelsea's 1-0 over Arsenal before coming off the bench in the club's 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

"It's just good to get minutes in the legs after a long break," he said. "It's a good feeling and it just gets us excited to start the season.

"Pre-seasons are always tough, there's a lot of running, you've got to get yourself fit and ready to go for the season, but in the end, it's all worth it.

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"I'm feeling good and hoping for a great start to the season."

Christian Pulisic spoke to Insider to mark signing a new long-term deal with global sports brand Puma, a partnership he hopes can further inspire the growth of American soccer.

"We're hoping that we can accomplish something special together," he told Insider.

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