Christopher Nkunku
RBL
Attacking Midfielder
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Nov 14, 1997 (28)
Right
5'10"
150 lb
Fast start in Leipzig return
Nkunku has recorded a goal and an assist in his four league appearances since rejoining Leipzig.
Analysis: Nkunku has returned to the club where he found his breakout a few seasons back, appearing to have found a new gear in his career after a failed move to Chelsea didn't work out. He seems to be much happier back in Germany after a fast start to the season, as the attacker has only started in two of his four appearances but still has a goal and an assist. He will now continue to push for more starting time as he gets comfortable again, likely to have a regular role if he can continue to produce at this level.
Scores in return
Nkunku scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 5-0 win against Hamburger SV.
Analysis: Nkunku scored once on four shots and looked back to his best now that he's back in Leipzig. He was moving well throughout the match and caused issues everytime he got on the ball. This is obviously not one of the hard matches on the schedule, but it's still an encouraging performance during a total rout.
Records assist
Nkunku assisted once to go with zero corners and three chances created in Thursday's 4-1 loss versus Como. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 24th minute.
Analysis: Nkunku was in the starting XI for a second straight match after he started in their last league match as well. He would use his time on the field to earn an assist, finding Andrija Maksimovic in the 58th minute. Nkunku will look to get back on track with his former club after a rough stint with Chelsea, already with an assist in UCL and league play.
Assists on return to club
Nkunku had an assist with his lone chance created during Saturday's 3-0 win over Gladbach.
Analysis: Nkunku entered the match in the 64 minute and set up Rocco Reitz for his side's final goal just two minutes later. The attacker is off to a good start in his return to Leipzig, the club where he has had the most prolific stretch of his career to date.
Returns to Leipzig on loan
Nkunku has joined RB Leipzig on a season-long loan deal from AC Milan on Tuesday. The deal also includes an option to sign him permanently.
Analysis: Nkunku has had the best moments of his career donning the Leipzig shirt, as he recorded 70 goals and 56 assists across 172 competitive appearances for the club across a four-season stretch between 2019/20 and 2022/23. He should see a steady role in the attacking third, though his exact position remains to be seen.
Excluded from the squad
Nkunku has been ousted by the Milan management and new coach Ruben Amorim and won't participate in the first two matches, La Gazzetta dello Sport relayed.
Analysis: Nkunku is no longer practicing with the first team, like Fikayo Tomori and Youssouf Fofana, and is searching for a new home. He was a rotational piece last year and totaled seven goals and three assists in 32 appearances (15 starts). Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Adrien Rabiot and Alphadjo Cisse will get some opportunities as no.10s until Rafael Leao (thigh) and Christian Pulisic (lower leg) are 100 percent.
Converts from spot
Nkunku scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-1 win over Genoa.
Analysis: Nkunku opened the scoring in Sunday's 2-1 win at Genoa, converting the penalty that he won himself and sending Justin Bijlow the wrong way. The forward constantly threatened with runs in behind the defense and repeatedly caused problems for the opposition back line, while also adding one key pass, two crosses and one interception. Nkunku has now scored seven Serie A goals and contributed three assists across 31 appearances this season, establishing himself as one of the most productive all-around forwards in his side's attack during their push for UEFA Champions League qualification.
Buries PK in Atalanta fixture
Nkunku scored one goal to go with five shots (three on target), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 3-2 loss versus Atalanta.
Analysis: Nkunku had a strong display coming off the bench at halftime, pacing his side in attempts and keeping his aplomb from the spot, ending a 12-game scoring drought. He'll likely start versus Genoa due to Rafael Leao's suspension and Christian Pulisic's (glute) subpar fitness.
Waiting on transfer
Nkunku will remain out of Chelsea's squad until a move elsewhere.
Analysis: Nkunku was playing in preseason until it was confirmed he was done at the club. He's been fit and ready for the past two weeks, but nothing has solidified in terms of his departure. Following a disappointing stint at Chelsea, there have been some reports of a possible move back to RB Leipzig where he scored 36 goals across the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons.
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