“I prefer the position” – Chelsea star admits he’s much happier playing central positions

Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku Thrives in Central Roles

Central Preference on the Pitch

One Chelsea player has openly expressed his preference for playing in central positions on the football pitch.

Quality Central Options

Chelsea boasts a wealth of talent for central roles, especially when considering potential No 10s or strikers.

Versatile Choices for Maresca

Blues’ head coach Enzo Maresca can select from top talents like Christopher Nkunku, Cole Palmer, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, or Carney Chukwuemeka for advanced midfield positions.

Nkunku’s Impressive Form

In a recent interview with Football.London, Maresca highlighted Nkunku as a standout performer. The star scored the first goal of Maresca’s tenure in a 2-2 pre-season match against Wrexham. Nkunku, in particular, excels in central positions, whether as a No 10 or a forward.

Central Role Suits Nkunku

The £52m Frenchman has shown his prowess as an advanced midfielder during his initial 45 minutes under Maresca’s guidance. He’s a player to watch closely as the pre-season unfolds.

Nkunku’s Thoughts on Positioning

“I don’t have a favorite position; whether I play striker or another role, I like to move, play, and fill spaces,” Nkunku shared via Chelsea’s official app on July 26. “It’s about being a threat. I prefer being involved in the heart of the game rather than stuck on one side. I strive to participate in every situation for the team.”

Essential Presence in the Penalty Box

Nkunku’s presence around the penalty area is crucial for Chelsea. Arguably the best natural finisher in the squad, he’s at least on par with his remarkable teammate, Palmer.

Nkunku’s Central Role in Maresca’s System

Nkunku’s desire to play centrally aligns with Maresca’s usual setups. The main challenge lies in integrating Nkunku, Palmer, and Nicolas Jackson into the same starting lineup.

Nkunku’s Composure and Scoring Ability

Nkunku brings a level of calm and precision to scoring, evidenced by his 70 goals in 172 appearances for RB Leipzig.