Enzo Maresca Tests New Position for Chelsea Star Ahead of Club World Cup Final

Jeff Maresca, the manager of Chelsea, has reportedly been experimenting with a different role for one of his key players in an effort to find the best fit for the team. Since taking charge last summer, Maresca has helped Chelsea win the Conference League and secure a spot in the Champions League.

However, the club’s squad, which was already large upon his arrival, has seen several high-profile signings struggle for game time. One such player is the France international Christopher Nkunku. Signed from RB Leipzig for £53 million in 2023, Nkunku had been a prolific scorer in the Bundesliga, but his debut season was hampered by a knee injury that limited him to just 14 appearances across all competitions.

Enzo Maresca has reportedly trialled playing Christopher Nkunku as a defensive midfielder

Enzo Maresca has experimented with deploying Nkunku in a defensive midfield role.

Nkunku has largely fallen out of favour under Maresca and could leave Chelsea this summer

Nkunku has fallen out of favor and may be set to leave Chelsea this summer.

French media claim that playing Nkunku out of position in training may have been intended as a test of the player's strength of character

Playing Nkunku out of position during training might be a test of his resilience and adaptability.

Last season, Nkunku mostly appeared as a substitute in the Premier League and is expected to move on this summer. Reports indicate that Maresca has been trying him in a deeper, defensive midfield role during training, possibly to assess his versatility or to see if he can adapt to a more defensive position, similar to Joelinton at Newcastle.

Sources suggest Nkunku is eager to transfer this summer, aiming to secure a spot in the French national team for the upcoming World Cup in North America. While Manchester United and Inter Milan have shown early interest, no official bids have been made yet.