Maresca may deploy £52m star against Liverpool following a 50-touch standout performance on international duty

Christopher Nkunku might experience a more favorable 2024/25 season compared to the previous one after his 2023 transfer to Chelsea.

The French international joined the Blues for £52m before the 2023/24 season but only played 14 times (516 minutes) due to various injury problems.

Now, after a challenging season, the 26-year-old seems to be enjoying a notable turnaround, responding to calls for improved performance.

He has since been highly effective for the London club, scoring seven goals in 11 matches (a goal every 61.42 minutes) across all competitions.

Enzo Maresca may choose to start Christopher Nkunku against Liverpool

Minutes have been somewhat scarce in the Premier League, but that may soon change.

Enzo Maresca could face a bold decision regarding Nicolas Jackson, who has been performing well with seven goal contributions in as many games. However, one might question whether the former Leicester manager will take a risk at Anfield after witnessing Nkunku’s impressive international performance.

Sofascore awarded the attacker a 7.2/10 rating for his display against Israel, where he recorded one key pass, completed 95% of his passes (38 out of 40), and scored a goal (with one shot on target) during his 50 touches in France’s 4-1 victory.

Nkunku is currently in exceptional form, which could be precisely what Chelsea needs as they prepare for a challenging match against Liverpool in 10 days.

Facing a Liverpool team with the best defensive record in the Premier League, having conceded only two goals, Enzo Maresca will require his most effective striker on the pitch.

Statistics indicate that the former RB Leipzig star is the reliable choice, but only time will reveal whether his Chelsea manager agrees.

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Fabrizio Romano reports that Arne Slot is thrilled with the ‘fantastic’ Liverpool player

Liverpool faced disappointment this summer after failing to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Zubimendi turned down the opportunity, leaving the Reds without a recognized defensive midfielder. Coach Arne Slot ultimately chose to work with his current squad, utilizing Ryan Gravenberch in the holding midfield position.

Arne Slot is thrilled with Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch has excelled this season, and according to Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go Podcast, Liverpool is thrilled with his performances. Romano noted the sentiment of the Liverpool manager regarding Gravenberch:

“Zubimendi clearly rejected Liverpool in the summer, but the deal didn’t happen because the player wanted to continue there.

We will see what happens, but that situation remains quiet and also Liverpool and Arne Slot are very happy with Ryan Gravenberch; he is doing fantastic, he’s almost Man of the Match in every game, so for Liverpool, this is the best news possible.”

Ryan Gravenberch must maintain his performance

Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as one of the standout players in the Premier League this season. Recent comparisons to Patrick Vieira are fitting given his impressive performances. However, it’s still early in the campaign.

With just five matches played, Gravenberch must maintain this level of play to remain in the conversation as one of the top players. Consistency is crucial in the Premier League, and to be regarded among the best, he needs to deliver throughout the entire season.

Gravenberch has always possessed the talent; now it’s essential for him to demonstrate that consistency over the long haul.