Date: 11th October 2022 at 10:35am
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If Christopher Nkunku’s expected move to Chelsea comes to fruition, he is likely to function as a second striker under the tutelage of Graham Potter.

What’s the word?

That is according to journalist Simon Phillips, who has made that tactical prediction on the RB Leipzig star, who has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with the Blues and is close to finalising a move to Stamford Bridge next year, as per The Athletic.

Whilst Phillips believes that Nkunku could “flourish in a variety of roles” under Potter, he believes that the 24-year-old’s native position would be “dependent on the formation” selected by the Chelsea boss.

Speaking with GIVEMESPORT about the Frenchman, the journalist said: “He can play in any of the attacking roles, centre, left, right, or out wide on the touchline.

“He can play as a second striker, and that is where I’d expect to see him play the most, but it will be dependent on the formation, with Graham Potter known to be very flexible.”

Utility man

Nkunku’s versatility in attack could suit Potter down to a tee, with the English boss a big fan of tactical fluidity, versatility and balance within his teams.

The 24-year-old fits the bill completely in thar regard, and whilst he can occupy any of the positions within the attack and progressive midfield areas, he excels in central spaces, having made the bulk of his career appearances as a central or attacking midfielder.

Within Nkunku’s career at Leipzig so far, we have seen the France international go from steady goal returns in his first two seasons to world-beating metrics in 2021/22 which place him in the elite category of scorers in Europe.

A haul of 20 goals and 13 assists last season occurred as a result of Nkunku’s positional change to a second striker for Leipzig, and having fully adapted to this position, he has carried that stunning form into the new season for a team which has struggled in the early stages of the domestic campaign.

He currently has a total of seven goals in nine Bundesliga matches, which is a more than solid return so far.

As a second striker for Chelsea, the Frenchman with a £52.5m release clause could cause no end of problems for Premier League opposition, having proven “most effective at attacking transitions”.

 

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