Following on from an injury-hit debut season, many expected the 2024-25 season to be the campaign where Christopher Nkunku becomes the number nine Chelsea have been calling out for since Diego Costa’s departure. The Frenchman enjoyed a productive pre-season campaign, and the Stamford Bridge faithful were fully expecting him to be a key part of Enzo Maresca’s debut season. However, things haven’t quite worked out for the 26-year-old just yet, and the rumours are beginning to swirl about a potential departure.
Relegated to Maresca’s ‘B Team’
Thus far this season, Maresca has seemingly decided on two completely different starting 11s – one for the Premier League, and one for the European Conference League and domestic cups. So far, Nkunku has only started one Premier League fixture – the opening day defeat to defending Champions Manchester City. Since then, Nkunku has been demoted to the cup team alongside the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Cesare Casadei.
Understandably, the man who cost Chelsea a reported £52million, doesn’t want to be in the second-string team and should be leading the Blues in the Premier League’s biggest games. Maresca has made it clear that his two teams are not separate, and that chances will be given throughout the season to those who deserve it. The question is whether Nkunku has the patience to wait for more consistent opportunities.
I’m Sorry Nick Jackson
The primary cause of Nkunku’s bit-part contributions so far this season, is down to the fine form of Nicholas Jackson. Heavily scrutinised in his debut season, parts of which were justifiable, Jackson has enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign – netting five goals alongside three assists so far for the Blues.
Maresca’s early faith in Jackson has been scrutinised by the Stamford Bridge faithful, with many crying out for Nkunku to be given the starting role leading his attacking line. However, the perseverance with the Senegalese international has been richly rewarded so far, with Jackson developing into a much more complete centre forward and being pivotal to Maresca’s rapid front line. If Nkunku is waiting to displace Jackson, he’ll be hoping for a down-turn in form from the 23-year-old.
What do the Stats Say?
Despite Nkunku’s stop-start season so far, his return when on the pitch has been very productive. He netted a key winner away at Bournemouth when coming off the bench, securing a vital three points for the Blues. In the cups, he fired home an impressive hattrick on home turf versus Barrow, and whilst that won’t be the calibre of opponent Nkunku is looking to impress against, you can only score against who you are playing.
In Europe, Nkunku scored – what ended up being – two pivotal goals in the qualifying rounds against Swiss side Servette. He then followed this up with a goal in the 4-2 victory over Gent, helping to start Chelsea’s European campaign with a win. If Nkunku can continue this fine form in the cups, his knocks on Maresca’s door will become harder and harder to ignore.
Rumours have been circulating about Nkunku looking for an exit from London, with a potential return to PSG being mentioned. However, with the games starting to come thick and fast over the winter period, the Frenchman will get his opportunities to shine under the lights at Stamford Bridge and show the world just how lethal a finisher he can be.
