French media reacts to Chelsea player Christopher Nkunku’s performance vs Italy

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Chelsea have a very strong squad, and it should not be a surprise to anyone that a number of their players are on international duty.

Noni Madueke turned out for England over the past few days, while Robert Sanchez and Marc Cucurella are with Spain.

Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia are also with their respective national teams.

Another Chelsea player who is on international duty at the moment is Christopher Nkunku.

Nkunku, linked with Manchester United, is part of the France squad, and he was in action against Italy in the UEFA Nations League on Sunday evening.

The £52 million attacker started for France against Italy at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in UEFA Nations League – League A – Group 2.

The 27-year-old was deployed as the playmaker in a 4-3-1-2 formation.

Media reacts to Chelsea player Christopher Nkunku’s performance for France vs Italy

Although France won the match 3-1, the national media was not overly impressed with the display produced by Nkunku.

Rating Nkunku’s performance as 5 out of 10, FootMercato wrote: “In a leader position and a creative role that naturally stick to his qualities, the Chelsea player had everything to sublimate himself.

“But he lacked too much influence on the Blues’ game. If he was at the origin of the free kick that led to Digne’s goal, the former Parisian was difficult to find between the lines.

“Some well thought-out orientations, a dangerous strike diverted by Vicario (58th), but also inaccuracies and counter-current choices, as in that situation where he opted for the individual solution while the game required a shift for Kolo Muani (62nd). He wasn’t his most inspired version tonight.”

Christopher Nkunku’s game in numbers

Nkunku is having a mixed time at Chelsea. The 27-year-old, who can play as an attacking midfielder or as a forward, is not guaranteed a place in Enzo Maresca’s starting lineup, but he is doing well when he is getting the chance.

The Frenchman has made one start and nine substitute appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea this season. He has scored one goal in those games.

Nkunku has scored three goals in two League Cup matches and has scored two goals in two UEFA Europa Conference League.

Against Italy on Sunday evening, the 27-year-old took one shot which was on target, had a pass accuracy of 97.4%, took 51 touches, and made two tackles.