“Mikel Obi Urges Enzo Maresca to Start 26-Year-Old Chelsea Star Against Van Dijk: ‘He’ll Frustrate Him'”
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Mikel Obi Suggests Starting Nkunku Over Jackson for Liverpool Clash
As the upcoming match against Liverpool looms, Mikel Obi has put forward the idea that Christopher Nkunku should be in the starting lineup ahead of Nicolas Jackson. The ex-Nigerian football star has once again pointed out potential shortcomings in Jackson’s game, urging head coach Enzo Maresca to consider alternative options for the number nine role.
Nkunku as a Number Nine?
During a discussion on the Obi One Podcast, Mikel was asked if Nkunku could step into the number nine role, and he responded confidently: “I believe so.”
He went on to explain, “Jackson has been the go-to striker, starting every match and scoring in consecutive games against Wolves and Crystal Palace. But we have other players who can also operate as a false nine.”
Why Nkunku Could Be Key Against Liverpool
Obi emphasized Nkunku’s ability to trouble defenders, noting how Liverpool’s star center-back Virgil van Dijk could struggle to contain him. “Nkunku frustrates defenders, and Van Dijk would have a hard time dealing with him. We need a player like Nkunku to start in a game of this magnitude,” Mikel added.
Depth in Attack Gives Maresca Options
Maresca certainly isn’t lacking attacking talent. Along with Nkunku, who came off the bench to score the winning goal against Bournemouth, the squad also boasts the likes of Cole Palmer, Jadon Sancho, João Felix, and Noni Madueke, providing a wealth of options.
Flexibility in Attack Could Be Crucial
Mikel Obi also suggested a more fluid attacking approach, saying, “Let these players—Jadon, Palmer, Madueke on the right, Nkunku or Felix on the left—have the freedom to swap positions. That flexibility could be key to unlocking defenses, and it’s something worth experimenting with.”
Time for Nkunku to Start?
To wrap up his thoughts, Obi pointed to Nkunku’s recent performances coming off the bench. “Nkunku’s impact as a substitute has been impressive, and I think it’s time he starts, even if it means pushing Nicolas Jackson to the bench for now,” he concluded.
