Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has voiced his concerns regarding Christopher Nkunku’s struggles at Stamford Bridge, suggesting the French forward may need to reconsider his future with the club if his situation doesn’t improve. Nkunku joined Chelsea with high expectations but has yet to carve out a clear role under Enzo Maresca’s evolving tactical system.
Chelsea’s recent squad overhaul, which included significant additions such as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga, has left the team in a transitional phase. Despite Nkunku’s undeniable talent, he seems to be caught in a tactical gray area, unable to find a position that truly complements his strengths. Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy questioned Nkunku’s best fit within the team.
“What is Nkunku? What is his best position?” Cundy remarked. “For me, he’s a number ten, but he’s also been deployed on the left or used as a substitute. However, he isn’t a natural number nine and doesn’t seem to align with the current attacking system.”
Cundy further explained how Nicolas Jackson has solidified his position as the team’s primary striker, leaving Nkunku struggling to adapt. “Nkunku and Jackson are completely different kinds of forwards,” he said. “The team’s style shifts depending on who leads the line, and Maresca hasn’t figured out how Nkunku fits into the setup.”
The uncertainty surrounding Nkunku’s role has raised questions about whether Maresca sees him as a tactical asset or merely feels obliged to use him due to his high-profile status. “It’s clear Maresca doesn’t have a specific place for him,” Cundy added. “He’s playing him because he feels compelled to, but Nkunku isn’t delivering as a number nine and hasn’t thrived as a ten either.”
These challenges have fueled speculation that Nkunku may contemplate leaving Chelsea to rejuvenate his career elsewhere. “Nkunku is incredibly skilled, but without a defined role, it’s hard for him to excel. He may need to consider moving on,” Cundy suggested.
Nkunku’s struggles mirror broader concerns about Chelsea’s squad management and tactical clarity under Maresca. The January transfer window could be pivotal for both Nkunku and Chelsea, with reports suggesting potential player departures, including Dewsbury-Hall and Veiga, despite their recent arrivals. Cundy believes the squad is poised for further changes as Maresca shapes the team according to his vision.
Nkunku’s future at Chelsea remains uncertain as the January window approaches. Whether he finds his footing or decides to seek opportunities elsewhere will be a critical storyline to watch in the coming weeks.
