Chelsea have experienced problems throughout 2023 and have yet to find consistent form under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. However, the Argentine coach will be hopeful that Christopher Nkunku will help change their fortunes.
Mauricio Pochettino Reveals Best Role for Christopher Nkunku
Where Is Nkunku at His Best?
Nkunku scored his first Premier League in the recent 2-1 loss against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve and looked sharp in his cameo. He also received his first start – in the 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace.
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Pochettino was asked about which position he feels is Nkunku’s best before the Palace game and said: “At the moment he is coming back from injury, his best position is more like a 10 or a 9, more than the left or right side like a winger. To cope with the demands of the Premier League and what the team needs, it’s better in these positions.
“He is now starting to understand the Premier League, that teams are very aggressive and the football is very different to other countries. It’s good for him, more minutes. He will adapt little by little, but scoring will help him adapt quicker.”
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What Has Nkunku Said About His Ideal Role?
Interestingly, the French star had spoken about which position he feels is his best during Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA earlier this year. After impressing in the centre-forward role in his side’s 5-0 thrashing of Wrexham, he said: “We scored five goals and didn’t concede so it’s good for our confidence. For me I like to play this position, to be free to move and to have the ball into my feet and into space also. This is my position. I was very happy.”
Nkunku is a very versatile player who can play anywhere in the frontline, be it on either wing, as a no.10 or even as a centre-forward. The 26-year-old, previously hailed as “world-class”, looked sharp in the Wolves and Palace games, and could be played in that no.9 role, with summer signing Nicolas Jackson struggling for goals.
