Enzo Maresca has said he ‘loved’ Christopher Nkunku before his appointment at Chelsea and believes the forward is the ‘ideal player’ for his side.
Nkunku continued his encouraging pre-season with an early goal from the penalty spot as Chelsea beat Club America 3-0 in the United States this week.
The Frenchman has scored three goals in three games during the club’s pre-season tour as he looks to bounce back from a difficult debut season.
A serious knee injury sustained last pre-season kickstarted an injury-hit first year at Chelsea for Nkunku, who was restricted to just two Premier League starts.
The 26-year-old has impressed since returning to full fitness and new Blues boss Maresca has revealed his long-term admiration for the player.
“I know Christo from years ago,” Maresca told the club’s official website.
“I loved him before I joined this club. In the way we want to play, he is the ideal player.
“He can play in the pocket, in the nine, on the wing. At this moment we are using him in the pocket and he is doing very well.”
