Jason Cundy says £52m player definitely doesn’t start in Chelsea’s best team

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There’s definitely some healthy rivalry this season at Chelsea when you look at the competition for places in the squad.

Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has exploited the deep Chelsea squad in the opening months of the season. In fact, he’s pretty much played with two separate starting XI’s in the Premier League and cup competitions.

Unfortunately, the decision to make 11 changes in midweek didn’t pay off. The Blues were dumped out of the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 away defeat at Newcastle United.

Let’s see if Maresca’s side can respond this Sunday when they travel to Manchester United in the Premier League. Interestingly, Paul Merson has tipped Chelsea to beat Man United, explaining that it could be the perfect match up for them.

• READ MORE: What Chelsea’s owners now think about Enzo Maresca’s squad

Jason Cundy thinks Christopher Nkunku is exiled from Chelsea’s best XI for now

According to Jason Cundy, Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku is no closer to forcing his way into the club’s best starting line-up.

When asked if Nkunku can force his way into Chelsea’s A-team, Cundy told talkSPORT: “Not right now, no. I can’t make a case for it…

“He’s coming into games where it’s not ideal for an attacker to come on to. What you want to see if him start a game when he’s got [Cole] Palmer behind, [Moises] Caicedo behind him, Reece James in there. Where it’s Chelsea’s best XI.

“You can’t drop Jackson right now. I feel for Nkunku, but the reality is there isn’t an opportunity for him yet. It will come. There will be a moment.”

Nkunku, who cost Chelsea £52m (BBC) last summer, is the only player in the squad to feature in all 15 games this season. However, the French attacker has been used as a substitute in eight of the nine Premier League matches.

Wesley Fofana called Chelsea teammate Nkunku a better finisher than Cole Palmer, but it’s not enough right now break into the league XI.

Christopher Nkunku vs Nicolas Jackson

The reality is that Nkunku is fighting with Nicolas Jackson for one starting position at Chelsea, which is to lead the line as the main striker. As it stands, the latter is comfortably winning the battle.

Paul Merson is content with Jackson starting over Nkunku, which is a decision that looks justified so far.

Here is a look at how Nkunku and Jackson compare so far this season in games across all competitions:

Nkunku definitely looks the more accomplished finisher around the penalty box. However, you can’t ignore the brilliant all-round game from 23-year-old striker Jackson, who’s getting better and better this season.