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13 v. 43 – This Nkunku stat shows why he already fits this team better than Mudryk

Originally posted on Chelsea News | Last updated 5/16/24

Christopher Nkunku got more minutes than expected last night when he came on as a first half sub to replace Mykhailo Mudryk after the winger took a blow to the head.

Nkunku wasted no time in getting into the game. He was really involved from the moment he got on the pitch, linking play nicely and showing his quality on the ball.

He scored the kind of finish that we’ve desperately been missing, his intelligent movement finding space and his finish then calm and confident past the keeper.

Nizaar Kinsella wrote in his match report that there is excitement at Chelsea about what Cole Palmer can do when linked up with Nkunku over an extended period. Last night we saw flashes, but the pair have barely shared any time on the pitch since their arrivals in the summer.

How to fit Nkunku with the other attackers

Let’s not forget that most Chelsea fans saw Palmer as a backup for Nkunku upon his signing – nobody could forseen the incredible impact the young England star would make right from the start.

Now the question is how to fit them together, and last night provided an interesting model. Nico Jackson and Cole Palmer have without doubt fixed their place in the starting XI, and Noni Madueke has earned the right to keep playing with good recent performances.

That leaves just one space, and Nkunku used his time there far more effectively than Mudryk. He replaced the Ukrainian in the 41st minute. Mudryk managed just 13 touches in those 41 minutes, while Nkunku racked up 43 in his 49 minutes.

For much of this season Nkunku felt like the missing piece that this team needed to work. Now things have changed, and he’s more the cherry on top, the final piece in the jigsaw.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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