Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku has revealed that he enjoyed playing as a centre-forward against Wrexham, despite Mauricio Pochettino claiming it may not be his position going forward. The Frenchman made his first appearance for the Blues in a pre-season friendly match with League Two outfit Wrexham, coming off from the bench at half-time.
The forward added his first goal in a blue shirt to the tally late on too, scoring to round the game up at 5-0. Many will be hoping they can see plenty more of that in the future, but there remains a dilemma over exactly where his best position may be. Nkunku was able to play across the front three and as a playmaker behind the striker for RB Leipzig, offering such versatility to his new side too.
However, having played as a number nine against Wrexham, Pochettino hinted that it may not be his given position going forwards. The manager told the media after the victory:
"I think for the possibility today and the different players we have available and I think it’s a position we decide today… we only have Jackson and him [Nkunku] with the possibility to play as a striker."
While Armando Broja is recovering from a serious knee injury, the suggestion from Pochettino that he lacks strikers could well hint at a move for another centre-forward in the transfer window. However, Nkunku may have told his new manager that he would prefer to stick up front, Speaking to club media after the game, the Frenchman said on his position:
"Yeah, this is my position, I like to play this position. To play free to move, as and when fit in the space also. So, yes, this is my position, I was very happy."
It remains to be seen just how much football Nkunku will play at centre-forward or if Pochettino has other plans in mind for him. However, it seems as though there is a clear preference from the new forward as to where he would like to be playing in the new season.