Ex-Chelsea star says Thomas Tuchel must make a decision on Christian Pulisic

Thomas Tuchel has often adopted a system that sees Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso play as wing-backs during the current Premier League campaign.

This leaves their wingers forced to adapt to Tuchel’s system - a system that the likes of Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi are struggling with.

Former Chelsea midfielder, Gus Poyet, has spoken of how the Blues’ wingers are causing ‘massive problems’.

Speaking to bettingexpert, Poyet said: "Chelsea is playing in a system where the wingers cause massive problems as they play with two wide wing-backs.

“So the wingers like (Christian) Pulisic and (Hakim) Ziyech adapt themselves as wing-backs or they adapt themselves to play a little more in-field, like a second striker.

"This means you're not playing in your best position. This is a problem for him (Pulisic) and Hudson-Odoi.

"We saw this year, play a lot as wing-backs or inside in a three. That is not for everyone.

“Sometime people will adapt and get the best of them anyway and some people will suffer and not give you the best."

Pulisic has made 12 league appearances this season, scoring three goals and picking up zero assists.

The former Borussia Dortmund winger regularly impressed following his move to Stamford Bridge in 2019, however he has struggled when not able to feature in his best position under Tuchel.

Similarly, the likes of Hudson-Odoi and Hatem Ziyech have had to change the way they play to fit the German’s style.

Poyet has suggested Chelsea need to make a ‘decision’ on Pulisic if they are to get the best out of him.

The Uruguayan said: "He (Pulisic) is still an important player (for Chelsea) but I'm sure it depends how long he's not going to be playing in his best position.

"That happens when you have certain characteristics of players and the best system for the coach and team is different to your abilities. Then you find yourself in a strange situation.

"Decisions. One day you need to find out."

The Blues are in desperate need of improvement from their attacking players for the remainder of the season after picking up one win from their last seven league matches.

As the gap between themselves and Manchester City grows, Chelsea fans will hope Pulisic can adapt and impress, otherwise Poyet believes he could ‘fit in well’ elsewhere.

"If you ask me, I would like to see Pulisic wide in a proper 4-3-3,” Poyet admitted.

“I don't know if it will be at Chelsea because this Chelsea system is different.

“I think that way he will give you the best of his ability. There are many clubs where he could fit in well."

"Or to keep improving at that (playing as a wing-back at Chelsea). Who knows, maybe I'm talking to you in 3 months time and saying - 'oh, by the way, Pulisic is very good as a wing-back.'”

The US international scored his first goal in 10 appearances against Liverpool at the start of the month and will be hoping to add to his tally as Chelsea host Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.