Chelsea fans reminded of club legend by Christopher Nkunku’s moment of magic in pre-season
Chelsea fans have been seriously impressed by Christopher Nkunku in pre-season - so much so he's reminded them of Eden Hazard.
The Frenchman made just 14 appearances in his debut campaign for the Blues last term, suffering numerous injuries that left him sidelined for a majority of his first year.
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Now, the 26-year-old is back and fit for the upcoming Premier League season - and he appears to be raring to go.
Enzo Maresca’s side took on Club America in a pre-season friendly on their US Tour on Wednesday, winning 3-0.
Nkunku netted a penalty in the third minute of the game - but it was the manner in which he won a second spot-kick that’s had fans comparing him to club legend Hazard.
With the game ticking into the final 10 minutes, Nkunku picked up the ball in midfield and shook off pressure to turn and head towards the box.
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He danced past SIX Club America players on his charge into the area, but before he could take a shot, was brought down by goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.
Nkunku asked for the penalty, and sure enough, the referee pointed to the spot.
The midfielder’s ability to weave through defenders into the box gave Chelsea fans flashbacks of Hazard’s brilliant individual effort against West Ham in 2019.
The Belgian had picked up the ball in a similar area, before squeezing and dribbling past a number of on-rushing players and slotting into the bottom right-hand corner.
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“Christopher Nkunku turned into prime Eden Hazard,” one fan wrote on X, responding to Nkunku’s mazey run.
A second said: “Christopher Hazard Nkunku.”
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“Nkunku what a dribble! Won that pen like Hazard used to,” a third said.
Hazard wrote himself into Chelsea legend during his seven years at the club between 2012 and 2019.
He netted 110 goals in 352 appearances, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, one FA Cup and one League Cup before leaving for Real Madrid.
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Nkunku's opening penalty was followed by Marc Guiu heading in a second. Noni Madueke then finished from the spot after Nkunku’s mazzy run in the second half to complete the 3-0 win.
Meanwhile, Maresca clarified that for the upcoming season despite not taking one on Wednesday.
It marks Maresca’s first win as Chelsea manager since he joined earlier this summer from Leicester.
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