Paul Merson doesn’t think one Chelsea player is being used correctly by Enzo Maresca right now.
Enzo Maresca, the Chelsea manager, will have a lot to ponder during the next couple of weeks across the international break.
The Blues wrapped up before the break with a very disappointing 1-0 loss away to rivals Arsenal in the Premier League. It means that they’re in the thick of a battle for Champions League qualification, which looks set to go to the top five.
Maresca apologised to Chelsea’s travelling fans immediately after the defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. It certainly feels like the pressure and anxiety is building from the fanbase.
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Paul Merson insists Enzo Maresca shouldn’t be playing Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku on the wing
Paul Merson believes that the Blues head coach is getting it massively wrong with one player in his squad.
He states that Christopher Nkunku, 27, isn’t a winger, and he feels sorry that the Frenchman is filling into that role.
“Christopher Nkunku’s position is not on the wing. I feel sorry for him. I like him, I think he’s a good player. He’s one that plays behind the centre-forward,” Merson told Sky Sports.
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“He’s an intelligent footballer, connects things, but the problem is Palmer’s been outstanding. I don’t think Chelsea were foreseeing Palmer being as good as what he was hence why they bought Nkunku for a lot of money.”
When he first joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023, Nkunku said he prefers playing striker.
We think that most supporters would agree he’s at his best in a central No 10 position, although he rarely gets to play there because of Blues teammate Cole Palmer. The statistics suggest that’s the case, too.
Position Appearances Goals Assists
Centre-forward 22 7 1
Attacking midfielder 7 6 3
Left-winger 5 1 1
Second striker 2 0 0
Left midfield 1 0 0
Christoper Nkunku by position in the 2024/25 season via Transfermarkt
Photo by Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
The Christopher Nkunku drop off
Every Chelsea fan had a good reason to be excited about Nkunku when he arrived because of the way he performed for many years in the German Bundesliga. Unfortunately, he’s looked nowhere near as effective in the Premier League.
Club Appearances Goals Assists Trophies
RB Leipzig 172 70 47 2
Chelsea 52 17 5 0
Christopher Nkunku at RB Leipzig vs Chelsea
The 27-year-old attacker should be at the peak of his powers right now, but the decline in his performances and output is obvious.
While we agree that Nkunku doesn’t suit playing as a left-winger, he’s simply got to do more in and out of possession when he’s on the football pitch.
Bayern Munich want to sign Nkunku after missing out on his signature in the January transfer window. At this stage, it feels like a no-brainer for all parties to try negotiate a move at the end of the season.