GdS: Nkunku already showing he can be an ‘added’ weapon’ for Milan – the reasons

AC Milan did not sign a natural striker in the summer, but in Christopher Nkunku they could have a forward that is even more useful.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport recall, during last night’s win over Lecce, Nkunku used the little breath he had left to inflate the balloon and celebrate his first goal. Fans had been waiting for this moment ever since Milan announced the signing of the Frenchman, and it came at San Siro.

When he scores, he pulls a balloon from his sock – they’ll be red at Milan, because he likes to match the club he is at – and inflates it while his team-mates celebrate around him. It came about three years ago, when he was at Leipzig, meant as a dedication to his son which he hasn’t abandoned since.

Chris made his first start at the Meazza a memorable one: a full debut and a scissor kick executed with the ease of someone who knows his own abilities well, which bodes well for the near and distant future.

Just the beginning

The hope for Milan is that this is the beginning of a profitable adventure for Nkunku. The list of players who moved to Milan from Chelsea seeking redemption is starting to grow, with Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic acting as the guiding lights.

Christopher scored in the sixth minute of the second half and was replaced ten minutes later. It seems he asked to be substituted, struggling with cramps. He’s improving visibly, however: until a couple of weeks ago, he had barely half an hour in his legs, now it’s the hour mark.

For this Milan team, which plays without a fixed centre-forward, Nkunku is a godsend because of is unpredictability.He can play as a striker, a second striker, attacking midfielder or as a winger. He can do anything, the potential is there, and now the confidence must follow.

The Frenchman arrived at Milanello and Allegri’s staff immediately tailored a personalised athletic program for him, and the treatment is working. Maignan is closely monitoring his integration, like an older brother, and now Milan know they have an extra weapon.