The three positions Mauricio Pochettino can play Christopher Nkunku in at Chelsea next season – opinion

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Yesterday saw Chelsea finally announce the long-awaited signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.

Despite a medical being reported as early as 2022, it was when the transfer window was officially open that the deal was announced.

Mauricio Pochettino now has the conundrum of knowing what position to play the versatile Frenchman in next season.

Here’s three ways the new manager can get the best out of the player for the Blues.

The Number 10 Role

If you ask Nkunku himself where he thinks his best position is, he would say behind a natural striker. In fact, he already has said that.

The creativity of the France international is one of the big reasons Chelsea have been long-time admirers of the player, and having someone top their assist charts is a desperate need at this point at Stamford Bridge.

Last season their top assister in the Premier League was Raheem Sterling, who contributed just four to the club. This is something that drastically needs to improve if the club are going to return to near the top.

Striker

Playing Nkunku in the number 10 will likely rely on if the club can find a suitable candidate to come in and play up front.

If one can not be found, the new signing could find himself filling the role himself.

Even with injuries last year, he found himself as the top scorer in the Bundesliga, with that tally not being close to his one from the season before.

He has proven he can find the goals against top sides in Europe too, notably hitting a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Winger

If Pochettino decides a 4-3-3 system is the best way for him to go, there will be a lot of pressure on the wingers to provide.

With the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk not living up to expectations last season, another option could be Nkunku out wide.

His ability to take on players has not been unnoticed by scouts, with his recent assist in the cup final in Germany showcasing those skills.

If needs be, he will be able to feature on both wings for the Blues.