Enzo Maresca has just proven that £52m player is going to be crucial for Chelsea after Club America win

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca had some interesting things to say about one of his players after the Blues’ 3-0 win against Club America.

Enzo Maresca was able to pick up his first win of pre-season earlier, courtesy of Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke.

All three players were able to get their names on the scoresheet for Chelsea, with Nkunku starting things off.

Maresca has been convinced with Nkunku so far, and his words about the forward after the game suggest he is going to be a key player for the Italian this season.

• READ MORE: How Christopher Nkunku reacted to Noni Madueke scoring his penalty in Chelsea’s pre-season win

What Enzo Maresca has said about Christopher Nkunku

Maresca is clearly a fan of Nkunku, indicating that he has been following the 26-year-old for a while.

Maresca spoke about Nkunku after the Club America game, telling reporters: “I knew Nkunku before I joined and I love him. He can play in the pocket, as a nine and winger. He’s a very good fit for this system.”

While Chelsea are trying to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli, they are yet to agree anything, so Nkunku could easily end up playing games up front in the new season.

Whether he starts up front, behind the striker or out wide, it looks like he is going to be an important figure for Maresca based on the 44-year-old’s latest comments.

As for the centre-forward the Blues are currently targeting, Osimhen remains open to joining a Champions League-less Chelsea.

Chelsea need Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku missed most of last season because of injury, and it is probably what cost Chelsea in the end.

The £52m France international is such a good goalscorer, netting 58 times across his final two campaigns at RB Leipzig. Had Chelsea had that clinical edge last term, they probably would have qualified for the Champions League.

They finished five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and underperformed their xG by 4.18, according to WhoScored.

If Nkunku had been there to score those four extra goals and possibly more, there is a good chance that Chelsea would have finished in a much better position than they did.

Benoit Badiashile is happy to have Nkunku at Chelsea, and it is easy to see why. He is a player that the Blues need if they want to get back into the top four. Now it is just about keeping him fit.