Jason Cundy says Enzo Maresca has fixed 'big issue' involving Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea teammate is to thank
Jason Cundy thinks Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has made a great decision recently to fix a problem on the pitch that involves Christopher Nkunku.
Christopher Nkunku, 27, is one of the high-profile names in the Chelsea squad, but it’s been a challenging campaign for him to date.
Even though the French attacker has scored 14 goals across all competitions this season, he’s struggled to nail down a permanent position. In fairness, a big reason why is he can’t get minutes in his preferred No 10 position is because of Cole Palmer’s presence.
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, has had to think outside the box in recent weeks due to injuries to central strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.
Initially, Nkunku led the line as the centre-forward during back-to-back losses against Brighton earlier in February. Tony Cascarino destroyed Nkunku’s performances at striker by claiming the team was carrying him.
Thankfully, Maresca has come up with a much better solution in the previous two games against Aston Villa and Southampton, playing winger Pedro Neto down the middle.
Jason Cundy says Pedro Neto at striker has solved the Christopher Nkunku issue
Jason Cundy claims Chelsea had a “big issue” when Nkunku was playing as the striker, largely because he doesn’t have the tools to stretch opposition defences. He thinks Blues teammate Neto has massively helped to solve the problem, though.
Cundy told talkSPORT: “There is so much to love about his (Neto’s) game. He’s enthusiastic, his energy levels, he’ll run and chase, he chases lost causes. His hold up play [against Southampton] was outstanding.
“He gets in front of defenders and is an option. That option with [Christopher] Nkunku is not there. Because Neto’s a willing a runner, his hold up play is good and brings in players around him. He gives you a threat in behind. That was the big issue we had. With Nkunku up top, that threat in behind is nullified.”
In the last couple of matches, 24-year-old speedster Neto has been outstanding at striker. Joe Cole says Neto holds possession superbly when he plays up front despite his size.
Meanwhile, Nkunku has regained a bit of form by starting as a left-winger. Like Neto, he scored and assisted in Tuesday night’s Premier League victory at home to Southampton.
Christopher Nkunku need to seize left wing spot
Nkunku has struggled to really fit in anywhere in Chelsea’s XI this season under Maresca, but perhaps he can be the answer in the left-winger role for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.
While Mykhailo Mudryk has been unavailable through suspension, Jadon Sancho has had a free run on the left wing. It’s fair to say that his performances have been too inconsistent, though.
It’s been a pleasant surprise to see Nkunku excel in the wide role in the last week.
| Fixture | Minutes played | Goals | Assists | Total shots | Chances created | Accurate passes | Match rating |
| Chelsea 4-0 Southampton | 83 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 24/27 (89%) | 8.6 |
| Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea | 76 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 24/24 (100%) | 7.0 |
Nkunku definitely suits the left of attack far greater than down the middle. It gives the technical playmaker the licence to get on the ball in deeper areas and to face the goal.
Chelsea are open to keeping Nkunku at the club despite transfer interest, so let’s see if he really find a home for himself in the starting line-up in the remaining months of the season.
from Latest Chelsea News and Updates - The Chelsea Chronicle https://ift.tt/whVF35t
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