“He’s really sacrificing himself” – Enzo Maresca says £52m Chelsea player is really sacrificing himself for the team after Barrow win
Chelsea put on another strong attacking performance on Tuesday night, defeating Barrow 5-0 in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
Christopher Nkunku was the hero of the show, scoring his first hat-trick for Chelsea.
The forward’s performance has given Enzo Maresca much to ponder about ahead of his team’s Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Nicolas Jackson is also in excellent form right now, having scored twice in Chelsea’s most recent Premier League game. Andros Townsend was thrilled with Jackson’s finish against West Ham United, and Maresca may now have to choose between starting him or Nkunku in the Brighton game.
Christopher Nkunku sacrificing himself for Chelsea
Maresca thought Nkunku was fantastic against Barrow and not just because of his hat-trick.
When discussing the 26-year-old and Jackson after the game, the Chelsea manager told football.london and other outlets: “It’s difficult to judge because last year I was not here. The only thing I can judge is that they’re both doing fantastic. Not only because they score, but because they work off the ball. The way they sacrifice for the team.
“This is very important for them. This is a nice problem when you have two strikers that continue to score. Unfortunately, Marc Guiu is not scoring at the moment but hopefully soon he can. It’s nice you can decide which one and because they are in a good moment we can use them.”
Before the match, it had been reported that Nkunku’s long-term future at Chelsea was not guaranteed. However, the £52m Frenchman has quickly reminded everyone that he still has a lot to offer.
Should Christopher Nkunku start against Brighton?
Jackson was really good in Chelsea’s 3-0 win against West Ham last weekend. It would be harsh to drop him.
However, after scoring a hat-trick, Maresca cannot leave out Nkunku either. Maybe the 44-year-old can find a way to fit both players into his starting XI.
While Maresca sees Nkunku and Jackson as strikers right now, the former can also play in the No.10 role.
With that in mind, it may be worth starting him there, moving Cole Palmer to the right and leaving Jackson up top. It would see Noni Madueke drop out of the side, but the England international has not scored or assisted since his hat-trick against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.
It is a bit of a dilemma for Maresca, but a very good one. If the goals keep coming from Nkunku and Jackson, Chelsea should end up having a bright season.