Before Chelsea’s return to the Premier League after Christmas against Crystal Palace on December 27, manager Mauricio Pochettino got another opportunity to speak briefly about his new superstar, Christopher Nkunku.

The Blues recruited Nkunku on a pre-arranged contract with RB Leipzig last winter, since the Frenchman was literally the greatest player in the Bundesliga the previous season, surpassing Robert Lewandowski.

Since his breakthrough season in the 2019/20 season, Nkunku has been one of Europe’s most productive players as both a facilitator and a scorer, depending on what Leipzig need.

Timo Werner’s substantial performance and subsequent (failed) transfer to London were largely due to his breakout.

Pochettino informed reporters that Nkunku’s best position in central areas is a 9 or 10, rather than an option on the wings.

Unsurprisingly, the former Tottenham manager is right about his new top star. Nkunku played as a 9 or 10 for Leipzig, moving up the formation when the club needed goals after Werner left.

In the 2019/20 season, the 26-year-old registered 13 assists as a playmaking 10 type before bursting for 20 goals and 13 assists as a serious Ballon d’Or candidate for RB Leipzig in 2021/22.

Last season, Nkunku was forced to play up top as the main striker, a vastly different role for the Leipzig star. He flourished, scoring 16 goals for a squad that would not have had that type of goal-scoring star power otherwise.

Despite his increased scoring duties, he still averaged 1.6 critical passes per game and three combined dribbles completed and fouls drawn each game.

With a goal off the bench in his Premier League debut, Nkunku has already shown Pochettino and Chelsea fans that he has what it takes to be a Premier League great.

Due to his world-class instincts, he is a superb player who is at his best in center areas where he can directly effect the game as a creator or scorer.

Nkunku can play as a dangling support striker on either side of a 9, but starting him in the middle is Poch’s best bet.