He Has No Role in This System – He Just Need to Leave Chelsea,” Says Jason Cundy

Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has weighed in on Christopher Nkunku’s challenges at Stamford Bridge, hinting that the French forward might need to reconsider his future with the club if his struggles persist. Nkunku, who arrived at Chelsea with high expectations, has yet to establish a clear role in Enzo Maresca’s evolving system.

Chelsea’s recent squad overhaul, featuring prominent additions like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga, has left the team in flux. Amid this transitional phase, Nkunku, despite his undeniable skill, appears to be caught in a tactical limbo, unable to secure a position that highlights his strengths.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy expressed concern for Nkunku’s situation, questioning where the Frenchman fits within Maresca’s system. “What is Nkunku? What is his best position?” Cundy asked. “For me, he’s a ten, but he’s also been played on the left or used as a last-ditch substitute. However, he’s not a number nine, and he doesn’t seem to fit into the team’s current attacking structure.”

Cundy highlighted that Nicolas Jackson has assumed the role of the team’s primary striker, leaving Nkunku struggling to find his place. “Nkunku and Jackson are two very different types of strikers,” he said. “The team plays differently depending on who’s leading the line, and Maresca hasn’t figured out where Nkunku works best.”

The tactical ambiguity surrounding Nkunku’s role has created uncertainty, with Cundy suggesting that Maresca’s use of Nkunku feels obligatory rather than strategic. “It’s clear Maresca doesn’t have a specific place for him. He’s using him because he feels he has to, but Nkunku isn’t delivering as a number nine and hasn’t thrived as a ten either,” Cundy noted.

This lack of clarity has led to speculation that Nkunku might consider leaving the club for the sake of his career. “Nkunku is an incredibly talented player, but if he doesn’t have a defined role, it’s going to be difficult for him to succeed. He may need to think about moving on,” Cundy suggested.

The Frenchman’s struggles come amid broader questions about Chelsea’s January transfer window plans, with several players, including Dewsbury-Hall and Veiga, reportedly linked to potential exits despite their recent arrivals. Cundy believes Chelsea is on the brink of significant departures as Maresca continues reshaping the squad to fit his vision.

Nkunku’s situation underscores larger issues at Chelsea regarding tactical clarity and squad management. Whether he can find his footing at Stamford Bridge or joins the growing list of players seeking opportunities elsewhere remains to be seen. As the January transfer window approaches, Nkunku’s future—and Chelsea’s direction under Maresca—will undoubtedly be a major storyline to watch.