Christopher Nkunku sends clear Chelsea message to Enzo Maresca after France goal

Chelsea star scored his first goal for France during Thursday's win over Israel.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a good season so far under with seven goals across all competitions. It follows an injury-hit debut season at Stamford Bridge, where he only managed to make 14 appearances last term.

The Frenchman has rarely played as an out-and-out striker but it appears that may well be where his future lies at . When asked whether there is a good battle for the striker spot between Nkunku and , Maresca has explained Nkunku's role.

"We used Christoph as a nine in the last game, for the last 10 minutes," . "He is completely different to Nicolas in terms of quality and skills. Nico is a No.9, Christo is not a real No.9, we can use him as a nine but in a different way.

"I am completely happy with the squad, not just Nico and Christopher. With the amount of players we have, they are versatile and we can use Christo as a nine, Christo in the pocket.

"He doesn't like to be used wide, he prefers to be inside - we know that. But sometimes for balance, sometimes they have to play in positions that are not the best for them. Christoph, against [Manchester] City, first game of the season, he was used in a wide area but the important thing is they adapt and try to be their best."

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Maresca's words signal that he sees Nkunku as a striker going forward. But his goal for France was scored whist playing on the left wing.

The forward's best position remains a bone of contention, but his situation for France is different from that of Chelsea. At the Blues, Nicolas Jackson is the only reliable goalscoring striker.

For France however, Didier Deschamps has several more options to choose from, including Kylian Mbappe Marcus Thuram and Randal Kolo Muani.

Whether Nkunku moves back to being a winger next season at Chelsea may depend on if they sign a new striker next summer. For now though, his differing roles for club and country will continue the debate about his best position.