Chelsea fans remembered the club legend thanks to Christopher Nkunku's magical moment in pre-season

Chelsea fans have been impressed by Christopher Nkunku in pre-season, so much so that he has reminded them of Eden Hazard.

The Frenchman made just 14 appearances in his debut campaign for the Blues last season, suffering numerous injuries that sidelined him for much of his first year.

Now the 26-year-old is back and fit for the upcoming Premier League season, and appears to be raring to go.

Enzo Maresca's side faced Club América in a pre-season friendly on their tour of the United States on Wednesday, winning 3-0.

Nkunku scored a penalty in the third minute of the match, but it was the manner in which he won the second spot-kick that had fans comparing him to club legend Hazard.

As the game approached the final 10 minutes, Nkunku picked up the ball in midfield and shook off the pressure to turn and head into the box.

Upon entering the area, he beat SIX Club América players, but before he could shoot, he was brought down by goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota.

Nkunku asked for the penalty and the referee did indeed award it.

The midfielder's ability to break through defenders and enter the area gave him Chelsea Fans remember Hazard's brilliant individual effort against West Ham in 2019.

The Belgian had collected the ball in a similar area, before weaving his way past several oncoming players and placing the ball into the bottom right corner.

“Christopher Nkunku became the main Eden Hazard“,” wrote one fan on X, responding to Nkunku’s rambling career.

A second said: “Christopher Hazard Nkunku.”

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“Nkunku, what a dribble! You won the penalty just like Hazard did!” said a third.

Hazard became a Chelsea legend during his seven years at the club, between 2012 and 2019.

He scored 110 goals in 352 appearances, winning two Premier League titles, two Europa Leagues, an FA Cup and a League Cup before leaving for real Madrid.

Nkunku's opening penalty was followed by Marc Guiu's second header. Noni Madueke He then headed in from the penalty spot after Nkunku's blistering second-half run to complete a 3-0 victory.

Meanwhile, Maresca clarified that Cole Palmer will remain the Blues' penalty taker for next season despite not having taken one on Wednesday.

It marks Maresca's first win as Chelsea manager since joining from Leicester earlier this summer.