Mauricio Pochettino has declared his intention to use Christopher Nkunku in a central role following his return from injury.
Nkunku signed for Chelsea in the summer following an incredibly successful four-year spell at Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig, but had to wait until Christmas Eve to make his Premier League debut for his new team thanks to a serious knee injury.
After coming on around the hour mark of the Blues’ eventual 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves, the France international made an immediate impact by scoring a brilliant header late in the game.
Just how Nkunku will fit into this Chelsea team has been up for debate since his arrival but, speaking after the game, Pochettino confirmed he sees the Frenchman in a central role in his team.
“Because he’s coming back from injury I think he’s best as a 10 or a 9, more than from the left or right-hand side,” Pochettino revealed.
“I think at the moment to cope with the demand of the Premier League and what the team need, he is better in the middle positions.”
Pochettino continued: “We need to move on [from the Wolves defeat] but it is good for him now to get minutes and understand what it means to play in the Premier League. Teams are very aggressive an the football is completely different to other countries and he needs to adapt little by little.”
Nkunku started out his career playing the bulk of games out wide, but proved to be much more effective for his former club RB Leipzig when he was shifted into a central role. The 26-year-old scored an impressive 73 goals and contributed a further 53 assists while playing as an attacking midfielder or striker for the Bundesliga outfit.
The France star may be in line for his first start for his new club later this week when Chelsea face off against fellow out-of-form London side Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
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