John Obi Mikel shares which position he thinks Christopher Nkunku must start in for Chelsea next season

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John Obi Mikel has been discussing Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku ahead of the new season and where he should play to get the best from him.

Chelsea have spent a fortune again on several new players during this summer transfer window. However, Christopher Nkunku does sort of feel like a new signing, despite the fact that it’s his second year at Stamford Bridge.

The 26-year-old’s debut season with the Blues last year was extremely stop-start due to injury, so he only ended up playing 14 games across all competitions.

Nkunku’s been Chelsea’s best performer in pre-season, scoring three goals over the summer and playing a key role in Enzo Maresca’s new-look side. It’ll be interesting to see which position the versatile attacker actually starts in long-term, though.

• READ MORE: The pre-season stat that shows Christopher Nkunku could be about to explode at Chelsea

John Obi Mikel wants Christopher Nkunku in the No 10

According to former Blues star John Obi Mikel, Nkunku should be in Chelsea’s best line-up in the new season. In particular, he wants to see the Frenchman starting centrally as a No 10 playmaker just behind a central frontman.

Mikel said on ‘The Obi One Podcast’: “We have Christopher Nkunku. I think that’s his best position [in the No 10]. That’s where he should be playing.

“He missed out on a lot of games last season. He needs games. Maybe he’s not going to be firing from the start of the season, but with games and minutes, his confidence and sharpness is going to come back. He’s going to be the fantastic player we think he is.

“He needs to be in the team. He needs to start. He needs to be that No 10… I think Christopher Nkunku should play in that No 10 role. Cole Palmer should play on his favourite right-hand side.”

Christopher Nkunku the goalscorer

Regardless of Nkunku’s starting position, it’s important that he’s arriving around the penalty box into goalscoring positions for Chelsea. Let’s remember that he scored a combined total of 58 goals in his previous two seasons for RB Leipzig before his transfer to West London.

Nkunku can definitely shine in a No 10 position where he’s got the licence to roam. Also, his quality means he can easily start as a left-winger or a centre-forward as well.

First and foremost, let’s hope he can keep himself fully fit for the season. His individual ability and goalscoring instincts should take over from there if he’s on the pitch week in week out.