“Very sharp player” “I’m hungry to play and show what I’m capable of.” – Didier Drogba hit Enzo Maresca’s Choice to Bench In-Form Chelsea Star

Drogba Urges Maresca to Start Nkunku: “Always Start Him”

Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has weighed in on Enzo Maresca’s decision to bench in-form Christopher Nkunku, expressing his frustration and emphasizing that the Frenchman needs to be a regular starter. Drogba’s remarks come after Nkunku’s impressive start to the season, where he’s shown his ability to impact games significantly.

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Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52 million last summer, had his debut season disrupted by injuries, making only 14 appearances across all competitions. After a strong pre-season performance, Nkunku now finds himself playing a secondary role to Nicolas Jackson in the Premier League.

Drogba’s Call for Change

Speaking passionately, Drogba stated: “I’ve said this many times: Always start him!” He emphasized that Nkunku has what it takes to secure wins for Chelsea if given the opportunity. “He’s a great player—clinical, strong, and capable of creating space to score goals,” Drogba added.

Reflecting on Nkunku’s role in previous matches, Drogba pointed out that Nkunku delivered a standout performance against Bournemouth, and believes that had he started against Nottingham Forest, he would have likely scored. “He’s a sharp player who thrives in tight spaces,” Drogba remarked.

Nkunku’s Impressive Stats

Nkunku has been Chelsea’s top scorer this season, with seven goals in all competitions, including a hat-trick in the 5-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barrow. Despite his form, he has only started one Premier League match this season, which was against Manchester City. His lone Premier League goal came in the win against Bournemouth.

Versatility and Eagerness to Adapt

In a recent interview, Nkunku shared his thoughts on his role in the team, revealing that he doesn’t have a preferred position. “I feel closest to the goal when I find dangerous spaces,” he told L’Equipe. He stressed the importance of adapting to different systems and following the coach’s instructions, adding, “I’m hungry to play and show what I can do.”

Chelsea’s Recent Results

Chelsea recently drew 1-1 with Nottingham Forest, a match where Noni Madueke’s goal, assisted by Cole Palmer, secured the point. Despite dominating the game, it was a tight affair for Maresca and his squad. The draw leaves Chelsea in fourth place in the Premier League standings, as they continue to push for more consistent results.