Christopher Nkunku: The Key to Chelsea's Rebuild

Chelsea stands at a pivotal juncture, facing a make-or-break season following a dismal 12th-place finish. The club's transfer spending, steered by Todd Boehly's ownership, is soaring toward the billion-pound milestone (€996m since June 2022). This investment emphasizes the urgency for the club to avoid another season devoid of European football. With potential Financial Fair Play sanctions looming, the pressure is now entirely on Chelsea to regain their league standing.

Amid this high-stakes environment, Chelsea's investment has led to several star acquisitions, notably French international Christopher Nkunku. 

Initially rising through Paris Saint-Germain's youth program ranks, Nkunku's star ascended after moving to RB Leipzig in 2019, rapidly becoming a standout player under Julian Nagelsmann's tutelage. However, during Domenico Tedesco's tenure in the 2021-22 season, Nkunku solidified himself as one of the continent's elite playmakers. His remarkable 20 goals and 13 assists helped Leipzig qualify for the Champions League and earned him the distinguished Bundesliga Player of the Year Award, outshining even the prolific Robert Lewandowski.

Nkunku embodies versatility in attack. His transition from a central midfielder during his Paris Saint-Germain days to a more forward-oriented role in the Bundesliga highlights his adaptability and willingness to contribute across the pitch. At Leipzig, he thrived as the second striker in a front two, forging potent partnerships with Yussef Poulson, Timo Werner, and André Silva.

However, what truly distinguishes Nkunku is his ability in and around the penalty area. He boasts impressive numbers in shots on target and assisted shots, showcasing his exceptional output. In fact, he stands among the elite, with only nine players in Europe's Top Five Leagues surpassing his goal involvements over the past two seasons.

In stark contrast, Chelsea's offensive struggles from the previous season are glaring, highlighting the problem of relying on Kai Havertz as the focal point of their attack. His struggles epitomized Chelsea's overall struggle for offense, as the club amassed a mere 50 goals in the 2022-23 campaign—fewer than Erling Haaland's mark of 52 in all competitions.

This problem is not isolated but reflects a recurring trend over multiple seasons, amplifying the well-documented struggles associated with the No. 9 shirt at Chelsea.

It's within this context that Nkunku's arrival takes on profound significance. Nkunku offers a substantial upgrade over Havertz in a crucial spot on the pitch. While Havertz displayed glimpses of brilliance during his three-year tenure at Chelsea, notably with the decisive goal in the 2021 Champions League final, his struggles to consistently lead the line became a glaring concern. 

Nkunku brings a different level of dynamism and proficiency to the role. His involvement in build-up play, sharper finishing ability, and a proven track record of consistent goal contributions over the past seasons make him an upgrade that could potentially revitalize Chelsea's attack and address the issues that hindered them in previous seasons.

Unfortunately, Nkunku sustained a meniscus injury during preseason, a setback that will keep him out of action for 3-4 months. Mauricio Pochettino now faces the challenge of navigating the initial stages of the season without the services of his star attacker. Upon his return, Pochettino will have plenty of attacking talent at hand.

While Nkunku traditionally excels as a second striker in a front two, the evolving Premier League tactics might see him deployed as a winger or even a No. 10— reminiscent of Dele Alli's role under Pochettino at Tottenham.

Players such as Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Raheem Sterling provide plenty of pace and width from the wings. Meanwhile, the newly-crafted midfield trio of Moisés Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, and Enzo Fernández aims to stabilize the side.

The linchpin, however, could be Nicolas Jackson, the 22-year-old striker secured from Villareal for €37 million this summer. Jackson's direct, physically imposing style complements Nkunku's attributes well, potentially creating an explosive partnership capable of exploiting defenses in many ways. 

Here's a new way to analyze attackers using box threat, shot quality/quantity and finishing:

- Nkunku and Jackson, great #CFC signings.

- Balogun has a fantastic profile. Ace numbers.

- Openda is a HUGE bargain for #RBL.

- Callum Wilson and #NUFC?!

Who else catches your eye? pic.twitter.com/0I6r6civJO

— ExpectedChelsea (@ExpectedChelsea) August 22, 2023

Armed with a proven track record against top-level competition and versatility tailored for the dynamic tactical fabric of the Premier League, Nkunku's arrival promises to reshape Chelsea's attacking front. His attributes align seamlessly with Pochettino's tactical aspirations, and the prospect of an exciting partnership with Jackson adds an extra layer of anticipation. As Chelsea's young group strives to rebound from the setbacks of the previous season, Nkunku stands as a potential catalyst for their resurgence and hopes for a brighter future.