Ex-Chelsea striker, Cascarino tells Maresca best position to play Nkunku

Former Chelsea striker, Tony Cascarino, has advised manager Enzo Maresca on the best position to play Christopher Nkunku in his squad.

Chelsea spent over £50 million to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023.

However, the French forward has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge due to injuries and underwhelming performances.

Nkunku has played as a backup to Nicolas Jackson for much of the current season.

He was linked with a move away from the Blues during the January transfer window but ultimately stayed at the Premier League club.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, Cascarino told talkSPORT that Nkunku is not a centre-forward, insisting his best position has always been off the left in attack.

“We have seen a real drop from Chelsea, a real drop-off in performance,” Cascarino said.

“They have a real issue at centre-forward. Nkunku, I’m sorry, but you’re carrying him as a centre-forward.

“I had no idea why Maresca selected him after the performance he put in during the cup game against Brighton.

“He was non-existent. And what did we see in the second game against Brighton? Exactly the same performance.

“I will give him one benefit of the doubt: he is not a centre-forward. His best play has always been off the left.”

Ex-Chelsea striker, Cascarino tells Maresca best position to play Nkunku