Mauricio Pochettino probably won't use Christopher Nkunku as a long-term forward option

The French international marked his debut for the Blues during their 5-0 pre-season friendly victory against Wrexham in the United States on Wednesday night.

Nkunku entered the match as a second-half substitute for Nicolas Jackson, taking his fellow summer signing's place up front. He demonstrated his skills by scoring Chelsea's fourth goal of the evening, exploiting the dozing Wrexham defense, dribbling past the goalkeeper, and confidently slotting the ball into an empty net.

Although Nkunku's natural position is that of an attacking midfielder, he has exhibited remarkable versatility throughout his career and can adeptly play on either wing or as a number nine.

However, when questioned by the press after the match, Pochettino hinted that his decision to deploy Nkunku as a centre forward against Wrexham was primarily due to a lack of other options.

"I think for the possibility today and the different players we have available and I think it's a position we decide today," Pochettino said.

"We only have Jackson and him with the possibility to play as a striker.

"I am happy because of the attitude and now is time to improve. It is part of the process to plan the way we want to play and of course be in the physical condition also. I am happy with the performance and we keep going.

"The most important thing now is to get good feelings. We start again to play now after the holidays. There are players who didn't play, other players [who] came are at different levels and now it is about getting everyone at similar level to try and compete for the things this season."