Frank Lampard has just announced his lineup for today’s game against Tottenham, and the Chelsea boss has pretty much been able to pick his dream XI.
The good form that the side has been in with Tammy Abraham up front and Timo Werner on the left means that the manager has left the returning Christian Pulisic on the bench.
A few months ago that would have caused uproar, as the US international starred in the post-lockdown period.
But the injuries and bad form he’s suffered since mean that nobody is surprised to see him left on the bench today as a potential weapon to use in the second half.
Fans on social media were just happy to see him back in the matchday squad, rather than desperate for him to start.
Most pointed to the crazy depth we’ve got now, with two amazing players like Havertz and Pulisic both on the bench.
You can see a selection of the reaction to the American’s return in the Tweets embedded here:
Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic ready on the bench to make an impact. Could be absolutely vital to getting a win here.
Our squad depth is incredible. pic.twitter.com/PPEYtXMbn2
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) November 29, 2020
.@cpulisic_10 returns to the matchday squad following injury. 🙌 #CHETOT https://t.co/aS2gJvrX9v pic.twitter.com/6kxbotxT80
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 29, 2020
Pulisic back and where he belongs 😍
— Keir (@Kingkeir) November 29, 2020
Pulisic and Havertz off the bench: pic.twitter.com/OeIiUzlbkT
— Erm (@CFCErm) November 29, 2020
Why not in starter.??
— Kebun Binatang Gratis (@GratisKebun) November 29, 2020
Pulisic comes on against tired legs Spurs and make it 4-0.
You can't make this up😁 pic.twitter.com/Hw7RdXYo8R— ChelseaTillSatanRepents⁶𓅓 (@assahwayofalca) November 29, 2020
Imagine playing a game and having Havertz and Pulisic coming on from the bench. Squad depth 🔥
— Kwame Benaiah (@kwamebenaiah) November 29, 2020
This is the lineup that makes the most sense. Starting Pulisic and/or Havertz would have been too risky. They can impact off the bench though. I also get why we're not doing three at the back, but it might have helped #CFC #CHETOT https://t.co/kPTB9oOWOC
— Travis (@Travtical) November 29, 2020
Kai in for Mount at 75 min? And Pulisic for Tammy – Timo move central
— Oral Buchanan (@oralbuchanan) November 29, 2020
Pulisic x Havertz to finish the work later on lets goooo. Strong line up https://t.co/5gItWyCnJZ
— Bruce (@AugustineBruce_) November 29, 2020
Though I’ll like minutes for Christian Pulisic. The game may need that kind of game changer
— Larry G the Great 🇬🇭 (@larrygaisie) November 29, 2020
pulisic is back 👀
— GEGE (@1905GeGe) November 29, 2020
Though I’ll like minutes for Christian Pulisic. The game may need that kind of game changer https://t.co/MocfTjb4dj
— Larry G the Great 🇬🇭 (@larrygaisie) November 29, 2020
A match against team like Tottenham;Manchester City and Liverpool need very strong line up.Pulisic and Havertz are such players that can cause trouble for any oppenent.Why must Lampard bench them?What kind of love does the Coach has to Abraham and Mount respectively….? Wrong substitutions…You sub Werner fr Puli and Ziyech for Giroud while Abraham and Mount are strughling.Lampard should learn from Pep Gardiola and Jurgen Klop.
Team selection was poor,today Giroud was to start upfront not Abraham,and Havertz in second half for Mount
Lampard is just a DICKHEAD I know for sure if Timo Werner was playing at the flag in Leipzig,Lampard won’t have go for him.If Lampard play Chilwell or Sylva out of position he understand what will be the outcome. Lampard pls stop playing Timo out of his position, learn from your mistake on Kante last season.