Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca admits he sees Christopher Nkunku as an option up front ahead of Saturday’s fixture against West Ham United.
Nkunku arrived at Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig on a six-year deal for £52million in July 2023. The French forward endured an injury-hit campaign in West London, making just 14 appearances across all competitions in his first season at Chelsea.
But the 26-year-old enjoyed a full pre-season without injury at the Blues this summer. Nkunku has gone on to make six appearances for Maresca’s side so far in 2024/25, scoring three goals across all competitions.
The Frenchman has rarely played as an out-and-out striker, but it appears that may well be where his future lies at Stamford Bridge. When asked whether there is a good battle for the striker spot between Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, Maresca has explained Nkunku’s role.
“We used Christoph as a nine in the last game, for the last 10 minutes,” he said in his pre-match press conference on Friday. “He is completely different to Nicolas in terms of quality and skills. Nico is a No.9, Christo is not a real No.9, we can use him as a nine but in a different way.
“I am completely happy with the squad, not just Nico and Christopher. With the amount of players we have, they are versatile and we can use Christo as a nine, Christo in the pocket.
“He doesn’t like to be used wide, he prefers to be inside – we know that. But sometimes for balance, sometimes they have to play in positions that are not the best for them. Christoph, against [Manchester] City, first game of the season, he was used in a wide area but the important thing is they adapt and try to be their best.”
