Benoit Badiashile admitted he’s “so happy” that Christopher Nkunku is at Chelsea following the win against Club America.
The Blues recorded their first win under Maresca as they ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Nkunku, Marc Guiu and Noni Madueke.
It was a much improved showing from the games against Wrexham and Celtic and shows that the squad are starting to get to grips with what the Italian is asking them to do.
Badiashile praises Nkunku
Having been limited by injury to just 14 appearances in all competitions last season following his £52m move from RB Leipzig last summer, Nkunku has really impressed in pre-season.
The Frenchman scored his third goal in three games and has looked really sharp and back to his best as he produced a brilliant mazy run to win a penalty in the second half.
A fully fit Nkunku is going to make a huge difference for Chelsea given the quality he possesses, but the main task will be keeping the 26-year-old fit.
After the game Badiashile admitted he’s really happy that Nkunku is at the club and praised his performance.
“Christopher is a good player and he showed today again that he is a good player and I am so happy he is with us.,” he told Chelsea’s website.
Badiashile, Nkunku and Gusto all went off in the second half with what appeared to be minor injuries, but Maresca has subsequently confirmed the trio were just suffering with cramp.
With pretty much a full squad to pick from Badiashile said he’s relishing the competition as he look to earn a spot in Maresca’s starting eleven.
“We are at Chelsea so the competition is like this, even in midfield and the attack. It is a big club and we have to push ourselves to be the best as possible and try to do our best,” he added.
Next up for the Blues is a game against Manchester City this weekend, before their final game of the tour against Real Madrid.
