Christopher Nkunku’s story with AC Milan has been a complex one, but on Sunday he experienced the joy of his first league goals.
As Calciomercato.com recall, here was something different about Nkunku in the 3-0 win over Hellas Verona. Perhaps survival instincts have kicked in, in what could truly be his last chance to prove something to and for Milan.
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Nkunku responded with a decisive brace that allowed the Rossoneri to defeat Verona and temporarily move to the top of the table, while waiting for Atalanta vs. Inter. This should not and can not be a false dawn though, and rather must be a launching point.
A perfect afternoon
You could tell something could be different today from his attitude on the pitch. The first half didn’t provide him with many opportunities to shine, and indeed, it almost seemed as if he would slip into the familiar anonymity that fans have become used to.
He really came alive in the second half, scoring the brace that effectively put the match to bed. He won the penalty kick that Christian Pulisic then allowed him to take, and he converted it with the confidence of someone who has scored plenty this season.
Four minutes later, he was on hand to tap in a rebound from a Luka Modric shot, and his movement was that of a centre-forward, being proactive to ensure he was in the right place at the right time.
Settling in wasn’t easy for Nkunku, but his confidence never wavered. This was evident in his conversation with Modric and Pulisic, with the American handing the ball to the Frenchman to take the penalty. Confidence and a clear message: go, don’t be afraid, shoot, and get going.
Over the past few weeks, the Milan management seriously considered selling the player in January and recouping their summer investment with a asking price starting at €35m, so as not to generate any capital losses at least .
Within months of his arrival, he was already on the market. This test was a lifeline for Nkunku, determined to prove he was worth the €37m (plus €5m in bonuses and a percentage of future resale value) spent to acquire him from Chelsea at the end of August.
Now the ball is in Nkunku’s court: if it’s an isolated case, then Milan will be forced to heed the siren calls from Turkish clubs, as well as possible inquiries from Premier League clubs or Juventus. If he follows it up, he might just make himself unsellable.
Italian journalists are very funny very unprofessional in handling situations. If Nkunku hadn’t scored today negative posts and wrong articles would have crept up about him.
Guys (journalists) before you talk about a player there are so many things you need to put into perspective and consideration.
Nkunku needs confidence and he will improve game by game. By the time people like us continue to support him he will be perfect at least better than now
Forza Milan
Nkunku’s performances in and of themselves are only part of the story. Assuming he gets better, and assuming we spend the money and sign Vlahovic next summer, which one of team “star” Leao, best player overall of the last three seasons Pulisic, 37M man Nkunku and high profile/high salary Vlahovic, ride the pine?
Assuming Milan will be back in CL next season there will be way more games and all those guys would see plenty of action…
4231 means all 4 of them play.
However. Then who from Modric, Rabiot, Fofana, RLC, Jashari and Ricci sit the bench?
Me? I’ll check the box under the column labelled “Good problems to have”
One game(with easy tap ins) doesnt change the fact that, for now, 37 mil were thrown down the toilet. Although, his performance today shows promise.
The biggest problem is that, in this formation, he is doomed. Playing with two players upfront that has the same characteristics isnt good.
We need that n9 that Pulisic and Nkunku potentially can play off and that can be our point of reference in attack. Kinda like the time Allegri had Mandzukic and Dybala upfront. Not to mention Lukaku and Lautaro.
Thats why I said hundred times, and Ill say it again: Leao(as good as he is ON HIS DAY) needs to be sacrifised for greater good in terms of a focal point N9. Hopefully we win the league, and next season in league and CL we will need someone that can score 20+ goals and lets be honest Leao isnt that guy. Wasnt all these years, wont be in the future. Thats just FACTS.
Cash in while we still can and lets build on a good momentum Allegri gave us.
“One game(with easy tap ins) doesnt change the fact that, for now, 37 mil were thrown down the toilet. ”
This. 💯
Just sell him.Great now he scored so some can take it.
Let’s also remember that he’s not really a true #9 striker despite having to play that role at Milan.
Maybe now with Fulkrug Allegri will play some 433 or 4231 or 343 to give him time at his preferred role.
Confidence is everything. And he should have some now. This next run of games will see him get more chances too.
Nkunku so far this season 3 goals and 2 assists in less than 800 minutes.
Leao so far this season 6 goals and 1 assist in less than 800 minutes.
The difference between Leao and Nkunku this season are the 2 extra penalties Leao has taken, nothing else, but Nkunku is being compared with Origi.
Interesting point.
Stats lie sometimes. I think there is no one on this planet who would argue that Nkunku has been roughly as good as Leao this season. Even if the some stats might hint that way. 🙂