Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group F match between RB Leipzig and Real Madrid at Red Bull Arena on October 25, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. Photo: VCG

The year 2022 might be one of the most prosperous in the soccer life of Christopher Nkunku.

The 24-year-old RB Leipzig striker not only made his way into the well-equipped French national team but received a surprise award in Germany as its "Footballer of the Year."

After all, the former Paris Saint-Germain player outpaced none less than the former Bayern spearhead Robert Lewandowski by six votes.

The award followed the voting of the first-tier club captains and coaches appointing him as the 2021-22 season's best league performer having delivered 35 goals aside from 20 assists.

Ahead of the Champions League group encounter against Real Madrid, the Congolese-rooted and French-born forward seems to continue his successful journey.

Eight goals in 11 Bundesliga games tell the story considering his latest troubles with a hand injury. 

Only six days after an operation, he returned to action to help his side secure a 3-3 draw against league rival Augsburg with a free-kick goal.

The return of Nkunku stands for his club's hope to proceed to the knockout stage as new coach Marco Rose can count on his best frontline which also includes former Chelsea striker Timo Werner.

Werner recovered from influenza infection and might be an option coming from the bench on home soil if things get tight after a 2-0 loss in Madrid.

Nkunku and Leipzig's hopes ground on a solid record in the home arena as the side in five unbeaten league games only conceded four goals while scoring 14.

Having changed their coach from Domenico Tedesco to Rose, the East-German club hopes to keep the second position as Donetsk is waiting in a shoot-out-like race for the next Champions League round.

Next to league games, international encounters have gained importance for Nkunku as he has to fight for his place in the French national team as coach Didier Deschamps favors Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann.

While Nkunku remains in a waiting position in the squad of France, he is the top actor for Leipzig. Despite extending his club contract until 2026, the forward reportedly remains a target for top international sides.

Reason enough to put his name on the scorer list against the 2022 Champions League winner Real Madrid.

"I yet don't feel entirely at 100 percent, but things develop, and I am happy to help the team again as it remains our goal to make it to the next round," the attacker stated.

Xinhua