‘Quality’ Chelsea player just proved vs Southampton why the club simply have to keep him

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Enzo Maresca made seven changes for Chelsea’s 5-1 win against Southampton on Wednesday night.

It saw the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Axel Disasi and Noni Madueke all come into the side.

Madueke has actually been a starter for Chelsea this season but was dropped for his side’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa last weekend. Chelsea fans think that dropping actually helped Madueke, with the winger going on to score and register an assist at St Mary’s.

One player who has not been a starter, though, is Nkunku. And as a result, the forward has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

• READ MORE: Cole Palmer sends hilarious message to Christopher Nkunku after stealing his goal in Chelsea vs Southampton

Christopher Nkunku linked to other clubs

Nkunku’s appearance against Southampton was only his second start in the Premier League this term.

Enzo Maresca has preferred Nicolas Jackson for the striker position, limiting the 27-year-old’s minutes.

With Nkunku struggling for game time, there has been talk about a potential exit in 2025. It has even been claimed that Manchester United are interested in Nkunku.

Despite not being Chelsea’s first-choice centre-forward, the Frenchman is actually the team’s top scorer in all competitions. In 21 appearances, Nkunku has scored 12 goals.

Christopher Nkunku makes point against Southampton

Nkunku was not heavily involved at St Mary’s. He only had 24 touches of the ball.

However, as the France international often is, he was very clinical against Russell Martin’s men. Nkunku scored one goal and could have had another if Cole Palmer did not tuck away his goal-bound shot in the second half.

Ultimately, Nkunku certainly has something to offer and remains a reliable alternative to Jackson. He is someone Chelsea should be looking to keep in their squad and showed why with his impact on the south coast.

“He’s a quality player,” Maresca told reporters and Chelsea’s official website back in September.

The only problem is a forward of Nkunku’s calibre is going to want to be more than just a squad player, meaning it could prove difficult to keep hold of him if Maresca does not start giving the former RB Leipzig man more opportunities in his first XI.