Christopher Nkunku is preparing to experience a unique season at Milan. After a campaign marked by inconsistency but finished on an upward trajectory, with impressive numbers in the final months, the Frenchman could carve out a different role from the one envisaged when he first arrived. During the closing stages of last season, there was much discussion about his performances, despite the usual highs and lows that have characterised his career.
With the arrival of Ruben Amorim, however, his name has gradually faded from the centre of Rossoneri debate. Yet, looking at the playing system the Portuguese coach is expected to introduce, Nkunku appears to possess the ideal qualities to become a valuable asset in Milan’s new tactical setup.
An attacking wildcard for Amorim’s 3-4-2-1
In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, Nkunku could be deployed primarily as a left-sided attacking midfielder, the position in which he has produced the best football of his career. At the same time, the Frenchman has shown that he can also operate as a centre-forward, interpreting the role without providing fixed reference points and displaying a strong ability to link up play, as relayed via Milan Press.
The feeling is that Christian Pulisic will be used mainly as a left attacking midfielder, a role that the American himself has shown he prefers, including with the United States national team at the World Cup. For the right attacking-midfield position and the central striker role, meanwhile, the club’s management appear determined to strengthen through the transfer market, inevitably reducing the opportunities for the former Leipzig player to establish himself as a regular starter.
Europa League and squad rotation: Nkunku as Milan’s twelfth man
For this very reason, Nkunku could become Milan’s perfect twelfth man. He is a player capable of providing quality, unpredictability and versatility, ready either to change the course of matches from the bench or to replace one of the starters without any significant drop in performance.
Participation in the Europa League will guarantee a heavy fixture schedule throughout the season, and Amorim will need to involve a large portion of the squad. In such a context, the Frenchman could find consistency and significant playing time, taking advantage of rotation opportunities and confirming his value to the team even without being a permanent fixture in the starting eleven.
