In Focus: New man Nkunku can give Chelsea the Chris of life

Christopher Nkunku has completed his long-awaited move to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino begins to shape his new squad.

The France international joined from RB Leipzig in a reported £52million move that will see the forward commit to the West Londoners for six years.

As the 25-year-old looks to settle in at Stamford Bridge, we turn the spotlight on what he can bring to the Premier League giants.

France's finest

Former Paris Saint-Germain development coach Cedric Cattenoy oversaw Nkunku's rise in the French capital and always knew the dynamic attacker was destined for the top.

Cattenoy said: "It was easy to see his talent. He developed physically later than many of his team-mates, but he could compensate for that with his technique and vision for the game.

"He had all the skills and a strong mentality, a strong character, that would help reach a very high level.

"It was fantastic to coach him. He was a very nice kid, always very motivated, always very passionate about football, always very respectful."

One of a kind

Nkunku will provide Chelsea with attacking threat across the forward line.

He is capable of playing off either flank, as a No9 or can drop deeper and operate in the pocket behind a centre forward.

His speed and movement make him the perfect recruit for Pochettino, who often asks his creative players to swap positions in the final third.

But in the 36 appearances he made in all competitions last term, the two-time DFB-Pokal winner seemed most at home spearheading the attack or acting as a second striker alongside ex-Chelsea marksman Timo Werner.

Irrespective of his starting position, Nkunku's output is undeniable, joint-top scorer in the Bundesliga last term with 16 strikes, along with four assists.

Selfless striker

In addition to his end product, Nkunku should help boost the performances of his team-mates.

For Leipzig last term, the agile goal threat completed 38 take-ons and completed 487 passes, including 11 through balls, the ninth-highest in the league.

Likely to fill the void left by the outgoing Kai Havertz, Chelsea may have found the perfect man to end their woes in front of goal.

Natural leader

At 25, Nkunku has the perfect blend of youth and experience and his time at PSG and Leipzig will make him a natural leader at Chelsea.

The Blues' technical director Christopher Vivell has hailed the Parisian's wise head and praised his significant role at the Red Bulls after moving into a more central position.

He said: "With that change of position and change of style, he became the key player and started scoring from the first moment.

"He was ready for that responsibility and took this next step in a top way. The team believed in him, and he led through his quality."

Having joined a squad that has seen several fresh faces added under co-owner Todd Boehly, Nkunku will have to step up to the plate in an effort to unite the Chelsea dressing room and lead them into their new era under Pochettino.