“He’s not a number 9 and can’t play ten” – Pundit on classy Chelsea attacker who can’t find a role | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson’s reputation when he arrived at Chelsea was very modest, while Christopher Nkunku was eagerly awaited and considered among the best attackers in the world when he signed.

Yet Enzo Maresca has consistently preferred Jackson up top, and Cole Palmer in the number 10 role. Both have done really well, and made it impossible for Maresca to fit Nkunku into the team in either position. He’s patiently waited, but now January is here and the rumours about him leaving are growing.

When he does get the nod in the first team, he doesn’t convince leading the line either.

Jason Cundy summed it up very well on TalkSport:

“I feel for Nkunku because he’s caught between two positions. He’s not a number nine and he can’t play ten so where is his best role? The whole role of number nine has been left down to Jackson this season and Nkunku doesn’t do that job when he’s given the chance.”

Jackson’s struggles could spell return to the team for Nkunku

Jackson endured a difficult afternoon at Selhurst Park. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Now things are going to start to get interesting if Nicolas Jackson continues to struggle to find his best form. Despite Nkunku’s world class qualities and big reputation, it’s been very easy to keep him on the bench because of the way Jackson has been leading the line and scoring goals.

However the striker has one goal in his last 6 starts as the team have started to suffer. If that record continues for another 6 games, the pressure on Enzo Maresca to change up the attack is going to be immense. That’s when Nkunku’s chance to shine might finally come.

As Cundy says, he’s not done the job when tried up front – could he or Palmer be used wide with the other central to try and give Jackson more ammunition?