Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes Christian Pulisic has the potential to replace Eden Hazard after watching him in the European Super Cup final against Liverpool.

The American international was given his first competitive start for the Blues by manager Frank Lampard last night, starting on the left flank. He was a constant menace for Liverpool’s fullback Joe Gomez and even had a goal chalked off for offside.

Cascarino thinks that, at 20 years of age, Pulisic is ahead of Hazard in his development, and could match the achievements of the Belgian if he continues his progress:

“Christian Pulisic looks like he will be a very dangerous player for Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp had been interested in the young forward and you could tell he was wary of his threat as he changed his defence to counter him, selecting Joe Gomez at right-back instead of Trent Alexander-Arnold.”

“Gomez is a better defender than his team-mate but it still wasn’t enough to stop the United States international at times. I don’t remember a young Eden Hazard being as quick and direct and there’s no reason Pulisic can’t develop into a player of Hazard’s standing.”

There’s no doubt that Chelsea have a gem in the winger, but as manager Frank Lampard said himself last night, there is a long way to go in the American’s development.

Pulisic has speed and guile and, certainly knows how to finish, but he is a work in progress. Blues supporters will be hoping he can play just as well throughout the rest of the season.