Just as it looked like Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic would finally get a run of starts together, a chance has presented itself to Christopher Nkunku.
Calciomercato.com write that Nkunku’s time has come again, this time against Lazio. After a less than stellar start to the season, the winger – who arrived in the summer from Chelsea for €37m plus €5m in bonuses – has a great opportunity he cannot waste.
Given Pulisic has muscle fatigue, Massimiliano Allegri has decided not to call him up to avoid risk, and has therefore chosen to start the Frenchman in tonight’s match against Maurizio Sarri’s side.
An investment to repay
Having arrived in the summer for over €40m (including bonuses), everyone certainly expected more from Nkunku, who has not yet showcased the qualities he displayed with Chelsea barring one moment.
His only flash of brilliance came in the Coppa Italia match against Lecce on September 23, when Nkunku scored his first goal with an acrobatic finish from a cross. In Serie A, however, he made only two starts – against Roma and Parma – and has had many sub-par performances.
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Even though Nkunku is having a bit of a hard time adapting, the Rossoneri are confident in the Frenchman. Just a few days ago, Adrien Rabiot spoke about his compatriot in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He’s a talent and has already shown it in the past. I know him because we grew up together, him, Maignan, and I. He arrived from Chelsea out of shape and has to adapt to a difficult league like Serie A, but now he’s physically fit and motivated. I’m sure he’ll find his feet as soon as he gets going.”
Now comes ‘a golden chance’ for Nkunku. Given the absences of both Gimenez and Pulisic, Allegri has decided to start the former RB Leipzig man. The excuse of not being 100% will eventually run out, and now it is time to show why Milan believed in him so much.
