“He deserves better”, “He should be starting” - Chelsea fans react as Enzo Maresca names 26-year-old star on the bench for West Ham United clash

Chelsea fans have taken to social media to react to their starting lineup for the clash against West Ham United away from home at the London Stadium on September 21. They are shocked at manager Enzo Maresca's decision to leave 26-year-old attacker Christopher Nkunku on the bench.

The forward has been an important player for the Blues in recent months, with his shining performances glowing with goals. During the pre-season, Nkunku scored in three consecutive games against Wrexham, Celtic, and Club America, and he has taken this run of form into the season proper.

The attacker has already scored three goals in six games across all competitions, with two of those coming against Servette in the Uefa Conference League. He also scored the only goal to win the game during an 11-minute cameo against Bournemouth last weekend (September 14).

However, Nkunku has yet to start a Premier League match since Chelsea lost to Manchester City on August 18.

Maresca has opted to leave Nkunku on the bench once more and Chelsea fans have reacted on social media with posts like the following:

"Nkunku has to be starting Premier League matches," one fan urged the manager.

"Nkunku should be starting," another claimed.

"Nkunku deserves better," wrote one fan.

"LET NKUNKU START AHEAD OF THIS JACKSON FOR ONCE FGS!!" said one upset fan.

"What does Nkunku have to do to get a start?" another fan asked.

"Nkunku should have started, I think he's better upfront," claimed a fan.

"What does Nkunku gotta do to get a start man," yet another asked.

Here are some more reactions:

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Enzo Maresca speaks about Chelsea's strikers Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson

Fans are complaining about Enzo Maresca's decision to keep Christopher Nkunku on the bench while starting Nicolas Jackson. This has also been noticed by the press, who asked the manager about the two players in his pre-match press conference.

Maresca went on to explain that the two players are different 'in terms of quality and skills', responding (via Football.london):

"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..."

"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..."

Maresca will be hoping his lineup to face West Ham is strong enough to ensure Chelsea take home all three points.