Glen Johnson defends Christopher Nkunku for agreeing to join Chelsea
Speaking to King Casino Bonus (h/t Football.London), former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has defended the decision of Christopher Nkunku to join the Blues this summer.
It was a pre-agreed move that allowed the French international to play this season out with RB Leipzig before permanently moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
A few days ago, former Leipzig and Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick criticised Nkunku for joining Chelsea as it is too early for him. He also referred to the current state of the Blues, which is not great.
Johnson has hit back at those comments and defended the player’s decision. Here’s what he said (h/t Football.London):
“I don’t agree with Ralf Rangnick at all about Christopher Nkunku coming to Chelsea too early. It is not great at the moment but Chelsea are still Chelsea.
“A fantastic football club with fantastic players, there is just a lot of change going on at the moment. There is no dust that needs to settle. Nkunku is certainly not going to an in-form Chelsea at the slightest, but once a manager and the owners settle in at the club, Chelsea will be alright. They are not a million miles away at all. Yes, at the minute they are struggling, but I don’t think Nkunku regrets signing early.”
Johnson is right here. One season of underwhelming performances does not wash away the might of Chelsea. It is clear that the club needs to start taking better decisions going forward, the attraction of playing for a top club in London has not died yet, or has it?
The former Paris-Saint Germain player has been one of the best forwards in the Bundesliga for the last 18 months. Since the start of last season, the 25-year-old has scored 32 goals and assisted 18 in 54 league appearances. Those are some numbers from a player who does not often play as a number nine.
Mauricio Pochettino is closing in on becoming the next Chelsea boss. The Argentine might fancy having Nkunku in his side next season onward.
The Frenchman is a versatile forward who can play anywhere. But, more importantly, he is a genuine goal threat, something that has been lacking from current forward options in the team.
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So, while the Blues would need to sign a striker in the summer, having Nkunku adds pace, power, goals and a threat from various angles in the final third.