Martin Keown identifies the Chelsea star crucial to reigniting Cole Palmer’s top form.
Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes that Chelsea could rely on Christopher Nkunku to help Cole Palmer regain his best form. Currently, the Blues are struggling, having won only two of their last nine league matches, with their most recent setback being a 3-0 loss to Brighton. As a result, Chelsea has dropped to sixth place in the league, and they are now deeply involved in a tight battle for a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Keown highlights Nkunku as an essential player for Chelsea to get the most out of Palmer. Despite the French forward’s own struggles this season, Keown argues that Nkunku’s ability to stretch the play could provide Palmer with the necessary space to be more creative and impactful in the final third. With Noni Madueke sidelined due to injury, Chelsea has fewer attacking options, and Keown points out that players like Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho must step up to contribute more goals and assists.
Keown also mentions that for too long, coach Enzo Maresca has relied heavily on the combination of Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. However, with Jackson out due to a hamstring injury and the team missing other key players, it’s become clear that Chelsea needs to find alternative ways to create chances. Nkunku’s role is crucial, and Keown believes that with the right support and strategy, the 27-year-old can help unlock Palmer’s potential again.
Despite being second choice to Jackson for much of the season, Nkunku has managed to score 13 goals across all competitions, though only two of those have come in the league. His form, however, has been under scrutiny, especially after his ineffective performances in the recent games against Brighton, where he was unable to make an impact. Some critics, including Tony Cascarino, have questioned coach Maresca’s decision to start Nkunku in those matches.
As Chelsea heads into the final stretch of the season, Nkunku is expected to play a crucial role, especially with 13 games remaining. Maresca’s challenge is to find a way to use Nkunku that brings out the best in him and, by extension, helps the team finish the season strongly. There are also growing reports that Nkunku’s future may lie elsewhere, with speculation that he has agreed on personal terms with Bayern Munich. However, for now, his focus remains on delivering results for Chelsea, starting with the upcoming trip to Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s current struggles and the pressure to qualify for the Champions League highlight how important Nkunku’s contribution could be. As the team looks to bounce back, it will be essential for Nkunku to step up and help Palmer find his best form once again, something that could be key to their success in the remainder of the season.
