Mark Schwarzer Says Chelsea Aren’t Playing to Christopher Nkunku’s Strengths
Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has expressed concerns that Chelsea are not utilizing Christopher Nkunku effectively, suggesting the club’s tactical setup is limiting the Frenchman’s impact.
Nkunku’s Struggles Since Joining Chelsea
After arriving from RB Leipzig in a highly anticipated move, Nkunku’s first season at Chelsea has been plagued by injuries, delaying his ability to make a significant contribution. However, since his return, Schwarzer believes the Blues’ tactical approach hasn’t suited his strengths.
Schwarzer’s Criticism
Speaking about the situation, Schwarzer pointed out that Nkunku thrived in Leipzig’s dynamic attacking system, which gave him the freedom to drift into spaces and link up effectively with teammates. At Chelsea, he has often been deployed in roles that limit his movement and creativity.
“Chelsea haven’t been able to get the best out of him yet,” Schwarzer noted. “He’s a player who flourishes when given freedom in attack, but right now, the system doesn’t allow him to express himself fully.”
Chelsea’s Tactical Issues
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea have struggled to find a consistent rhythm, with frequent formation changes and player rotations. The team’s lack of a settled attacking structure may be hindering Nkunku’s ability to replicate his Bundesliga form, where he was one of Europe’s most prolific attacking midfielders.
Can Chelsea Adapt?
If Chelsea want to maximize Nkunku’s potential, they may need to make adjustments to their system—either by pairing him with a more traditional striker to allow him to play off a central forward or giving him more freedom in an attacking midfield role.
With Chelsea still fighting for a place in European competitions, unlocking Nkunku’s full potential could be key to improving their attacking output in the remainder of the season.
