 Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has played down suggestions Christopher Nkunku will predominantly be used as a striker while he is keen to utilise the Frenchman in tandem with Nicolas Jackson. Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy The west Londoners secured a 4-3 victory over Brighton on Saturday night despite conceding the first goal in Philadelphia, with Nkunku reacting quickly to prod a smart finish into the back of the net to level the scores early in the first half. Jan Paul van Hecke's dismissal on the hour mark prompted a flurry of goals, with Mykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson netting in the space of 11 minutes to give Chelsea a three-goal lead before Joao Pedro and Deniz Undav netted two late consolation strikes. Nkunku started up top for Chelsea, with Carney Chukwuemeka just behind him and Raheem Sterling and Ian Maatsen on the flanks, with that attacking quartet replaced in the second half. Pochettino has stuck with his 4-2-3-1 formation in pre-season so far, with Jackson and Nkunku yet to play together, but the Argentine coach says that is simply due to fitness levels and availability and the Frenchman will be used in other positions. Asked if he sees Nkunku as a striker going forward, Pochettino told Chelsea TV: 'Well I think Nkunku can play in different positions. 'For the circumstances in these two games we use him as a striker, but he can play like an offensive midfielder, like a No.10, like a No.8 or on the side also. Nkunku netted his second goal of pre-season against Brighton (Picture: Getty) 'It's about the dynamic and the animation of the team and of course the relationship between the team-mates. 'But he's a fantastic player and he's improving every day.' On whether he could use Nkunku in more of a No.10 role playing off Jackson, Pochettino replied: 'Yeah for sure we arrive now in the next few games the possibility to play){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has played down suggestions Christopher Nkunku will predominantly be used as a striker while he is keen to utilise the Frenchman in tandem with Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
The west Londoners secured a 4-3 victory over Brighton on Saturday night despite conceding the first goal in Philadelphia, with Nkunku reacting quickly to prod a smart finish into the back of the net to level the scores early in the first half.
Jan Paul van Hecke’s dismissal on the hour mark prompted a flurry of goals, with Mykhailo Mudryk, Conor Gallagher and Nicolas Jackson netting in the space of 11 minutes to give Chelsea a three-goal lead before Joao Pedro and Deniz Undav netted two late consolation strikes.