RB Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg was full of praise for his teammate Christopher Nkunku’s latest goalscoring display as the versatile forward showed what Chelsea could expect from him next season.
Nkunku is an exciting goalscoring talent, of course, but Chelsea still took a risk when making such an offer.
When Nkunku tore his lateral collateral ligament before the 2022 World Cup, there were concerns about whether it would affect his development.
The France international had only had one start since his injury return before suffering another setback in early March. This time, it was a thigh injury.
This Sunday’s match between Leipzig and Hoffenheim was Nkunku’s first start since the latest injury and his only second in 2023, and it is safe to say that he lived up to expectations.
The 25-year-old, who stayed on the pitch for an hour, made the difference with his goal as Leipzig won 1-0.
His teammate Forsberg was clearly impressed.
“We could have scored one or two more, but overall it was a good performance. It got a little bit nervy in the second half,” said the Sweden international after the game (via RB Leipzig’s official website).
“Christo scored a nice goal – he has everything in his game.”
Nkunku himself was happy, too.
“It was really important to get the three points today,” he explained.
“We worked really hard. I was really pleased with my goal; I’m pleased to be back out on the pitch and able to help the team.”
Nkunku’s solid injury return should be music to Chelsea’s ears.
The west London club is currently having a big goalscoring problem and Nkunku’s expected arrival can hopefully help solve it next season.
Nkunku played as a number nine against Hoffenheim, but he has already played in five other attacking positions, including as a second striker.
Sunday’s goal was his 13th in Bundesliga this season, which is very impressive given he has only had 16 starts (21 appearances overall).
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