CM: Nkunku expected to make debut against Bologna with Allegri impressed – the latest

There is a real possibility that Christopher Nkunku gets the nod to make his debut on Sunday against Bologna, a report claims.

Calciomercato.com write that Milan hope to restore Nkunku to the glories of the 2021-22 season, when he finished fourth in the Bundesliga scoring charts thanks to netting 20 league goals for Leipzig. The previous year, the versatile Frenchman was named the best player in the German league.

It seemed like the prelude to a five-star career, a world-class player, but in reality he has struggled to keep that momentum going. His time at Chelsea brought more disappointment than joy to the 27-year-old, between physical problems and the emergence of a phenomenon like Cole Palmer.

However, for Igli Tare and Giorgio Furlani, Nkunku’s talent can shift the balance of power in Serie A because it is certainly closer to the Bundesliga than the Premier League.

Investment and role(s)

A club like Milan, particularly attentive to financial and budgetary stability, will only invest €37m plus €5m in a player if they firmly believe he can make a difference at all levels. To dismiss Nkunku’s acquisition as a mere high-quality bench option would be a gross misjudgment.

Tare and Furlani expect Christopher to play a lot and well. The club have already approved of him, now it’s up to Allegri and his ability to consistently find a tactical solution that also improves the individual.

Allegri was very honest after the Lecce match when he described Nkunku as a player of great quality, but one who will give him some thinking to do beyond his tactical positioning, which at present is still being worked on and defined.

Image: AC Milan

Nkunku loves playing as an attacking midfielder, his favourite role, but it is not an option in Milan’s 3-5-2. Max has spoken extensively with the player over the past week, noting his great availability as well as an innate willingness to sacrifice and work hard every day.

Nkunku’s career has been a constant push out of his comfort zone: at PSG at the start of his career, he played as a midfielder and has since played in every attacking role: attacking midfielder, second striker, winger and false nine.

Allegri must study him to fully understand how to maximise his potential. Against Bologna, he’s very likely to make his debut in the second half. After all, only three years have passed between 2022 and today, not an eternity.