Chelsea boss Frank Lampard says Christian Pulisic's debut season has been similar to Eden Hazard's at Stamford Bridge.
Hazard, who left for Real Madrid last summer, produced nine goals and 11 assists in 34 matches after arriving from Lille in 2012/13.
Pulisic has scored nine league goals and provided four assists in 24 games, and Lampard has been impressed.
"Hugely important," Lampard said after Wednesday's 5-3 loss to Liverpool, in which Pulisic scored and provided an assist.
"He has had that impact. I was here for Eden's first year and it is not easy coming to the Premier League, and for Eden in that first year it was adapting to the Premier League.
"Christian has had his moments of that but mid-season he had a really good patch and then since restart he has been in incredible form. Only the injury he picked up in the Norwich game has kept him out of the semi-final when he's flying. Against Liverpool he came on and played 40 minutes which is great for feeling confident about the injury and the qualities he has been showing.
"He is so young and he has such natural talent and he creates goals and scores goals.
"He is a big player for us so I'm delighted to see him come through fit. Clearly he will be a big player in these next few games for us and going forward as well."
