Christopher Nkunku has already scored 13 goals and made 30 appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, and Enzo Maresca believes the Frenchman's importance to the Blues will continue to increase as the season progresses.
Nkunku's first campaign as a Blue was hampered by injury; he was limited to just two starts and 12 substitute appearances in all competitions.
The 27-year-old impressed during pre-season in America, though, and has averaged at least a goal a game in the Conference League, FA Cup and League Cup this season, with 11 in ten starts.
But such has been the form of Cole Palmer in Nkunku's preferred No.10 role, the France international has been limited to three starts in the Premier League this term, with another 17 appearances coming from the bench.
Nkunku is in contention to feature at Brighton & Hove Albion tomorrow night in the FA Cup and Maresca was asked if the forward would play more of a role for the rest of the season.
‘Yeah, for sure. For sure,' Maresca replied. 'I spoke last week already about Christo. Probably against West Ham, he played more or less half an hour and hopefully from now on he can get more minutes and help us.’
Nkunku developed a reputation as one of the most exciting forwards in Europe during his time with RB Leipzig, for whom he scored 70 goals and created 54 assists in 172 games.
It is that attacking pedigree, coupled with Nkunku's output for Chelsea this term, that Maresca believes can be harnessed further during the remainder of the season.
‘Absolutely, absolutely yes [he can reach his full potential here],' Maresca added.