Jason Cundy has put forward a different idea for Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to think about as a potential solution to the club’s current problem in the striker position.
The current injury issues mean there’s a glaring hole at the No 9 position in the Chelsea squad.
With Blues strikers Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu both currently sidelined through injury, the Chelsea manager may need to get creative when it comes to his selection to lead the line.
Christopher Nkunku started in the centre-forward role in the back-to-back defeats to Brighton (FA Cup and Premier League) in February, where he underlined the point that he doesn’t suit playing as the striker. In fact, Tony Cascarino described Chelsea’s Nkunku as “non-existent” in the forward role.
Jason Cundy suggests Enzo Maresca considers Chelsea winger to play striker
According to Jason Cundy, it might be worth Maresca considering Chelsea’s Pedro Neto to fill the void at striker.
The 24-year-old winger is currently fighting to find form in his preferred role in wide areas. However, the centre-forward spot isn’t completely alien to him because he’s played there a few times for Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Cundy told talkSPORT: “There’s a number of options. I wonder whether playing Neto down the middle might be something to think about because the pace in behind. Neto’s hold up play, he’s not a natural No 9, but we need to threaten in behind.”
In fairness, Neto would definitely bring a new attacking threat in a central role because of his blistering pace, so it would prevent a different challenge to opposition centre-halves.
Chelsea supporters recently suggested Neto could solve the striker problem. His record at Wolves as a centre-forward was zero goals in 12 appearances, though.
Chelsea need to do something different vs Aston Villa
Chelsea’s next match is a trip to Aston Villa on Saturday evening, which feels like a crucial game to try stop the rut.
If Nkunku leads the line again on the weekend, we’d be amazed if there’s a different outcome. Therefore, Maresca needs to try think outside the box by coming up with a new plan. It’s an option to try a winger such as Neto or Jadon Sancho more centrally, or perhaps someone could be promoted from the Under-21s squad.
Chelsea will go into the weekend sitting sixth in the Premier League table due to their poor recent form.
The encouraging news is that the Premier League’s top five are likely to qualify for the Champions League because of England’s ranking with UEFA.
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