There easily could have been more penalty drama in Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Club America earlier.
Last season, Cole Palmer, Chelsea‘s regular penalty taker, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all got into a bit of a tussle over a spot-kick in one of the Blues’ games.
With Palmer not on the club’s pre-season tour, though, it was Christopher Nkunku who took Chelsea’s penalty against Celtic last weekend.
Since then, Chelsea have been awarded another two penalties, which came in their victory over Club America.
Nkunku took the first, putting the ball past Luis Malagon, while it was Madueke who converted the team’s second.
What Christopher Nkunku did after Noni Madueke’s penalty versus Club America
Having scored both of his penalties on Chelsea’s pre-season tour, Nkunku had every right to go and take the second one that was awarded in the Blues’ win against Club America.
However, the Frenchman gave the ball to Madueke after the winger wanted to take the first spot-kick Chelsea had been given in the game, according to journalist Simon Johnson.
And after dispatching, Madueke was met by Nkunku and a hug, so there was no penalty dispute during this match.
It was a nice gesture from Nkunku, whom Enzo Maresca seems to be a huge fan of. After the game, Maresca told the media that he loves Nkunku.
Christopher Nkunku and Noni Madueke can be important players for Chelsea this season
Before his injury problems, Nkunku quickly became one of the best goalscorers in Europe. During the 2021/22 season, for example, the 26-year-old netted 35 times in 52 games for RB Leipzig.
Chelsea supporters will now be hoping that he can stay fit and for Maresca to get the best out of him.
Nkunku has already impressed Maresca. If the France international does remain injury-free, then he could be a very important player for the Italian in the new season.
And the same goes for Madueke, who is probably one of the best dribblers in the Premier League. As per FBref, he has averaged 3.16 successful take-ons per 90 minutes over the last year.
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