This time a year ago, Chelsea were flying high. It was probably the peak of expectations under Enzo Maresca – this was then the Blues were being put into title race talk, before injuries and a dodgy winter made that talk look foolish.
We’ve been enjoying looking back at what we were saying a year ago on this very site.
Nkunku’s international break struggles presaged club issues
Christopher Nkunku wearing an AC Milan shirt for the first time.
Christopher Nkunku wearing an AC Milan shirt for the first time.
It was the international break back then too, and a Chelsea man who had been with his country was getting some serious flak. Christopher Nkunku was struggling to force his way into Enzo Maresca’s plans, but at least got a call up for France. Sadly that didn’t go well either:
“The Chelsea forward was tasked with providing the link between a revamped midfield and the two-man frontline. While he took up some promising positions in between the lines, some poor decision-making and heavy touches rendered many of his involvements futile.”
We all know what happened next – Nkunku fell faster and faster out of favour at club level as Maresca struggled to find a place for him. He basically became a B team attacker, and his desire to actually play for Chelsea declined too. It wasn’t long after this that it became clear to everyone that he would be leaving Stamford Bridge in the summer – which he eventually did, sold to AC Milan for €42m.
In other news…
Kenan Yildiz remains a name that’s being talked about as a potential Chelsea target despite it sounding pretty unlikely that he makes a move in January. Are you buying it?
Reece James’ fitness has been a very important part of Chelsea’s season so far, and him remaining fit is going to be essential if we want to win anything.
More Stories about Christopher Nkunku
A generic view of Stamford Bridge.
Christopher Nkunku wearing an AC Milan shirt for the first time.
Christopher Nkunku wearing an AC Milan shirt for the first time.