Cape Town - Chelsea midfielder Christian Pulisic admits he has found it difficult to adjust to the pressure of representing the USA in the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has struggled to live up to the hype following his £58 million move from Borussia Dortmund this summer.
Chelsea and the Bundesliga giants originally agreed on the deal in January and he was allowed to remain on loan with the German outfit.
Pulisic has so far failed to impress Frank Lampard, making just five appearances this season.
The USA international was expected to be a like-for-like replacement for Eden Hazard but has failed to score for the Blues.
Pulisic has already voiced his disappointment at his lack of game time and now admits the pressure of being an American international is tough when playing in England’s topflight.
He told the Players' Tribune: "It makes you feel really good at the beginning, to be honest, you feel great, you see all these things, people talking about you on social media.
"You feel really great and then it's more just pressure on you to feel like all the stuff is kind of hitting you, and you start being expected to do all of these things.
"Especially as Americans, we haven't had a lot of top international talents throughout our years. If you're not able to tune it out, then it can be a weight on your shoulders."
The Hershey-born playmaker has not started a game for the Blues since August 31 when Lampard’s men drew 2-2 with Sheffield United.
After a slow start, Chelsea have now found their feet under Lampard and they are fifth in the Premier League table.
The form of Mason Mount and Willian has kept him out of the team, while Callum Hudson-Odoi's return will also make life tougher for Pulisic.
- TeamTalk Media