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'Zero panic in him': Joe Cole amazed by'smooth'Chelsea player after his Conference League display

Chelsea continue to dominate in the Conference League after another win in Europe this week.

The Blues faced their toughest test yet away to German Bundesliga club Heidenheim on Thursday evening, but they still came away with a 2-0 success and another three points.

As a result, Chelsea still have a 100 per cent win record in this season’s Conference League group phase. In the four matches so far, they’ve scored 18 goals and conceded three times.

A number of key players were given the night off to rest. In fact, several high-profile stars didn’t even travel to Germany, including midfield pair Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez. Caicedo and Fernandez still reacted on Instagram to Chelsea beating Heidenheim as they cheered on back in England.

Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea scores his team's first goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between 1. FC Heidenhei...

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

Joe Cole wowed by Christopher Nkunku composure

Joe Cole delivered a glowing verdict on Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku after the skill he showed in front of goal yesterday.

The 27-year-old attacker put the Blues 1-0 ahead with a clinical finish inside the penalty box, which he fired into the top corner. Afterwards, Mykhailo Mudryk continued his good form by also getting on the scoresheet.

When discussing Nkunku’s goal versus Heidenheim, Cole told TNT Sports (7:38pm, 28 November): “You see there’s zero panic in him. His stride doesn’t change. In front of goal, when there’s a shot to be taken, he’s just so smooth and clean. He’s a goalscorer.”

Peter Crouch also commented on Nkunku’s strike: “Beautiful finish. He’s just so calm in these areas. He’s so unlucky to not be playing because he’s a fantastic player.”

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Chelsea fans want Nkunku starting in the Premier League after watching his latest European display in the Heidenheim win.

It’s now 11 goals in 19 appearances across all competitions this season for the Blues attacker. However, his one and only start in the Premier League was the opening day defeat to Manchester City back in August.

Christopher Nkunku can’t do much more

Nkunku is doing everything physically possible to force his way into Chelsea’s best XI, but it’s such a tough task for him. Cole Palmer appears to have the No.10 position locked down, while Nicolas Jackson is excelling as the main central striker.

Nkunku has played a mix of the No.10 and No.9 position so far this campaign in cup games. During Chelsea’s win over Heidenheim, he caught the eye as the central playmaker behind the forward.

Minutes played Goals Shots on target Successful dribbles Chances created Accurate crosses Tackles won Match rating

76 1 3/4 (75%) 2/3 (67%) 1 2/2 (100%) 2/2 (100%) 8.5

Christopher Nkunku’s performance versus Heidenheim via FOTMOB

Nkunku isn’t planning on leaving Chelsea in January despite his lack of league starts, but how much longer will he tolerate being on the bench for?

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