Christopher Nkunku

Introduction

Christopher Nkunku’s soccer career has been one to analyze. Nkunku is one of Europe’s most intimidating attackers with his silky touches and composed dribbling. He is in high demand from top clubs around the world. Although Nkunku’s story was not always pretty, his success is one driven by ambition and determination. So how exactly did Nkunku get where he is now?

Nkunku’s Story

Nkunku was born in France in 1997 and began playing soccer at around 6 years old. As he grew up into a teenager, he joined Fontainebleau which is a soccer club in France. He was spotted by scouts for his versatility and his technical prowess. Unfortunately, a lot of clubs considered Nkunku “too young and small” and did not sign him but Nkunku eventually came to an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain at the age of fifteen. Nkunku worked his way up the ranks at PSG, playing for PSG’s youth team and making noise for himself. Eventually he began playing for PSG’s first team and got his Champions League debut in December of 2015. However at PSG it was difficult for him to find consistent playing time since he was competing against some of the best players in the world including Marco Verattti, Edison Cavani and of course Kylian Mbappe. Nkunku wasn’t able to certify his name on the starting list so if he wanted to starting time he had to look somewhere else. This was a hard move for him as he himself is quoted saying “I dreamed of one day captaining PSG.” This disappointment came with opportunity though with RB Leipzig in Germany signing Nkunku in the summer of 2019 for a fee of $13 million. This move would prove vital for Nkunku’s confidence as he came on and scored for his debut game with Leipzig. He never really needed time to adjust to his new team and came to every game with a purpose. His first season he played 44 games with 5 goals and 14 assists, which are very good numbers for a first season player. The following season however he was riddled with unlucky injuries but still managed 11 goals, 7 assists in 40 games. This past 21/22 season was where Nkunku really found form with him scoring 34 goals, 18 assists in 51 games. This season was a statement and won the Bendesliga’s player of the season and also won multiple Champions League man of the match awards.  

Nkunku’s Playstyle

Nkunku is known for his versatility and in reality he doesn’t have a solid position since he is able to play in any midfield role and any attacking role for RB Leipzig. Nkunku is still young, around 24 years old, so it is safe to say he hasn’t nailed down his best playing position. In his past season with Rb Leipzig, Nkunku was best played in a central attacking role. He would either be placed in attacking mid, inside forward or center forward. These roles constantly changed and he sometimes switched through them mid-game. His technical abilities are what help him stand out, a really soft touch and heightened spatial awareness allows him to turn and play forward runs and passes. Nkunku also is ambipedal which means he doesn’t have a weak foot, this also allows him to shift to either side of play to have a shot or pass at any angle. Nkunku is said to be able to prepare and serve his dinner but when it comes to actually finishing the dinner he becomes toothless. Basically, Nkunku’s biggest flaw lies in his finishing abilities. He always manages to get into great chances and opportunities but somehow can’t seem to properly place his shots. This however is palpable and can be an easy fix to Nkunku’s game through experience and practice.

Future Thoughts on Nkunku

So where does the future lie for Nkunku? Nkunku stayed at RB Leipzig for another season this year, which I am assuming was so he would be able to go far in the Champions League and  make another big shout for himself this season. After this season it comes as no surprise that most clubs in Europe will be eyeing this man. I am hoping when he moves to a club that he finds the same consistent form he has at RB Leipzig as he would become a very dangerous player with a more solid midfield around him. When it comes to his national team though it might be difficult for him. France is known as the “cheat code” to world soccer as they typically have all of the top talents in Europe, Nkunku being one of them. This France squad almost has too much talent and it makes it difficult to make the right call ups for players. Unfortunately, Nkunku has not been given much playing time for his country and barely has been called up for any other games besides friendlies.  Personally, I believe besides Karim Bezema or Mbappe, Nkunku is one of the most in form French players. Nkunku definitely deserves a spot on his national team and I hope he gets some playing time for the World Cup coming up. If he does it wouldn’t be surprising if he impresses the millions watching. Nonetheless, Nkunku is still very young but already has had a great career and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for a humble and creative player like Nkunku. 

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