CM: A ‘completely different player’ – summer plan emerges as Nkunku responds to noise

Christopher Nkunku was the subject of a lot of speculation in the winter window, but he responded with an excellent display against Bologna.

Calciomercato.com recall that Nkunku left his mark on the game at the Stadio Dall’Ara. The nutmeg on Zortea, the through ball to Ruben Loftus-Cheek, the penalty won and scored that made it 2-0: these are all signs of a player fighting to prove he can be useful to Milan.

Nkunku now a ‘different player’

It took longer than expected to settle in, but today Nkunku is ‘a completely different player’ compared to the version we saw in the first 15 league games. He attacks the goal, beats his man and shoots with power and precision, showcasing the repertoire of a complete attacker.

He is an atypical centre-forward who can also play behind the striker or on the wing. Igli Tare acquired him from Chelsea last summer, seeing the Frenchman as an opportunity not to be missed when Chelsea decided to offer a discount on their initial €50m asking price.

Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images

In the end, €38m plus bonuses was enough, which the director saw as a victoy. It’s also a victory for Massimiliano Allegri, who played him even when all the critics were against it, because the player needed to be protected and supported, as well as the investment.

All the rumours of a possible departure didn’t help things, and Nkunku felt the feeling of being put on the market just four months after his arrival. At the same time, he held firm, rejecting offers from Fenerbahçe, Roma and Napoli. His post-match words were revealing, too.

Nkunku’s mind and heart are now focused solely on the pitch. What about the future? At the end of the season, the former Chelsea man will speak directly with the club to determine whether or not they have faith in his performance and abilities. Based on last night, that faith can grow a lot.