Not called up by Didier Deschamps since June 2023, a time during which Christopher Nkunku played a few minutes against Greece and Gibraltar during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, the Chelsea striker celebrated his comeback in the tricolor jersey this Thursday evening, during the meeting against Israel (4-1) counting for the third day of the League of Nations. Preferred over Bradley Barcola at kick-off, the former RB Leipzig player took advantage of the opportunity to deliver a more than interesting performance.
Available for his partners, striking on his left side and technically correct, the number 18 of the Blues – little used by Enzo Maresca since the start of the season – showed very good dispositions. Served by Eduardo Camavinga, author of a masterclass, the native of Lagny-sur-Marne restored the advantage to his team after a good catch on the ball, a sharp overflow and a cross shot from the left deceiving the vigilance of Omri Glazer (28th ). Involved defensively, like his numerous runs to block the first Israeli restart, Nkunku continued his momentum after returning from the locker room.
A remarkable return!
Lively and valuable in his deep shots, the man who has scored 7 goals in 11 matches in all competitions with the London team alternated between a very eccentric position and a few axial returns to destabilize the rearguard of the selection coached by Ran Ben Shimon . Credited with a 7 by the FM editorial team, the ex-Parisian Titi worked well, even when he was placed back in the center of the game after the appearance of Bradley Barcola on the pitch. Replaced in the last quarter of an hour by Mattéo Guendouzi (77th), the main concerned was logically praised by Deschamps at the final whistle.
“Even if he doesn’t always play matches at Chelsea, I found him in this match with a lot of juice and freshness. On the left, he did good things, when he was supporting Kolo in the second half too. It’s very good for him. He has significant potential. Unfortunately, all his injuries have slowed him down too often. I am very happy for him”assured DD in particular at a press conference. In the absence of Kylian Mbappé, the French international (11 caps) has, in any case, scored valuable points. It now remains to be seen whether the number 10 of the Blues will once again have the confidence of his coach next Monday, when the French team travels to Brussels for the clash against Belgium.
