Ben Chilwell and Christian Pulisic tipped for ‘extraordinary’ Chelsea link-up

Never mind Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech or Chelsea’s expected record signing Kai Havertz – it’s the link-up between Ben Chilwell and Christian Pulisic that has Pat Nevin purring.

Former Stamford Bridge winger Nevin reckons Chilwell and Pulisic will form an “extraordinary partnership” down the left-hand side of Frank Lampard’s new-look Chelsea side next season.

And he says the extra attacking threat Chilwell will provide from left-back will prove a “chilling concept” for Premier League defences next season.

“At Chelsea will Ben Chilwell have an intelligent, skilful, pacy winger to work with who has a superb football brain?” said Nevin, talking to the club’s official website.

“One who has vision, can see a pass and crucially knows when to vacate the space for his mate hammering down the line on that left-hand side?

“A player who on top of that is selfless and keen to build a partnership out there with one-twos, dummies and the ability to draw defenders to make space?

“I may well have given something close to a perfect description of Christian Pulisic just there. That could be one extraordinary partnership if they click.

“We have others who can play out there of course, and a Callum Hudson-Odoi, Hakim Ziyech or Mason Mount linking up with Chilwell would be also be a chilling concept for most Premier League defences.”

Nevin played for Chelsea from 1983 to 1988, scoring 36 goals in 193 league games before joining Everton.

He reckons England left-back Chilwell can be a first-team fixture at Stamford Bridge for the next seven to 10 years after his £50million move from Leicester this week.

And he says Lampard’s capture of the 23-year-old is evidence of the manager’s astute forward planning.

“I am delighted Ben Chilwell is now finally here but probably not as delighted as Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham and of course Timo Werner, who have all had their scoring chances noticeably increased by his arrival,” said Nevin.

“Chelsea fans the world over can now doubtless see what Frank’s signing strategy is and the club’s willingness to back him.

“There may be no one in the stadium but the buzz is still palpable. These are exciting times to be a Blue.”

Chilwell became Chelsea’s third signing ahead of the new season when he completed his move on Wednesday.

Who should Chelsea start on the left in front of Chilwell? Have your say here

His arrival followed those of striker Werner from RB Leipzig and winger Ziyech from Ajax, while the west Londoners have since signed central defenders Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva.

Kai Havertz is expected to be the next signing through the door, with negotiations still ongoing over the midfielder’s transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.