GdS: 'Zero goals in four hours' - why pressure is building for Nkunku to perform

"Christopher Nkunku has not had the impact that AC Milan were hoping for so far, and the time has come for him to start contributing. La Gazzetta dello Sport speak of 'tough times for balloon sellers'. Nkunku has only been able to blow one up, after scoring against Lecce in the Coppa Italia. He hasn't had a chance to celebrate a Serie A goal yet, and that in itself is a problem."

"So, the red balloon he puts in his sock every game remains there, waiting and hoping to be needed. Milan fans, however, are doing the math and starting to worry: Nkunku hasn't scored in over 250 minutes of league action. Four and a quarter hours on the pitch without scoring. That's a long time. The purchase price naturally plays a role in this story because Milan - after a traditionally cautious summer - spent €37m plus bonuses on him."

"Between 2021 and 2023, he scored 36 goals in the Bundesliga. Nkunku is a French international (he even scored in the last break) and can play in various positions. He will certainly be useful at Milan, the question is whether he can be decisive and whether he can be a starter. History tells us that the former RB Leipzig man needs confidence, and that Allegri won't play with three attacking players."

Christopher Nkunku has scored only once for Milan, that goal coming in the Coppa Italia against Lecce, and he remains without a Serie A goal. He has played over 250 minutes of league action without scoring, equivalent to four and a quarter hours on the pitch. Milan paid €37m plus bonuses for his transfer, creating pressure to justify the outlay. The club expected him to provide energy, pace and improvisation in counter-attacks and transitions. Between 2021 and 2023 he scored 36 Bundesliga goals. He is a French international who can play multiple positions and historically needs confidence. Squad selection and Allegri’s reluctance to use three attackers limit his starting opportunities, with Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic currently preferred.

Read at SempreMilan