Enzo Maresca’s comments on ‘fantastic’ Chelsea player after West Ham win show he won’t drop him

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Chelsea beat West Ham United 3-0 on Saturday, with Nicolas Jackson scoring a brace.

It did not take long for Nicolas Jackson to bag his first goal, which came in the fourth minute of the game.

It saw Jackson match Olivier Giroud’s goal record in the Premier League for Chelsea before his second strike of the match took the striker above him.

After the London derby, Enzo Maresca spoke about Jackson, and his comments suggest that the 23-year-old will not be dropping out of the starting XI any time soon.

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What did Enzo Maresca say about Nicolas Jackson’s performance against West Ham United?

Understandably, Maresca was pleased with Jackson’s two goals, which set Chelsea on the path to victory.

However, the 44-year-old was also happy with the Senegal international’s contribution off the ball.

In a post-match interview with Chelsea TV, which was relayed by Chelsea’s official website after the game, Maresca said: “He was very good. Not only because he scored twice; the way he works off the ball has been fantastic. He and Cole [Palmer], sometimes had to defend three-on-two.

“So I am happy with Nicolas in terms of numbers — goals and assists — but especially happy because the way he has worked has been fantastic.”

Ultimately, with Jackson proving to be a striker who is willing to work hard out of possession, you would expect Maresca to keep on using him, even if there have been cries for Christopher Nkunku to start.

Chelsea fans wanted Nkunku to get the nod on Saturday after his match-winner against Bournemouth last weekend.

Nicolas Jackson vs Christopher Nkunku

Right now, Jackson and Nkunku are the two players in Chelsea’s squad competing for the No.9 spot.

Maresca confirmed that when explaining Pedro Neto’s position is on the right. Again, many wanted Nkunku to start against West Ham because of his impact at the Vitality Stadium.

But Maresca obviously had other ideas, going with Jackson instead. In the end, it was a decision that paid off. And if Jackson keeps on working hard for the team, then it looks like Maresca will persist with him.

Goals are important to supporters, but some managers probably value work rate just as much. That could see Jackson remain in the team, as long as the goals come from somewhere else. But at this moment in time, it looks like the former Villarreal man is capable of doing both sides of the game for his side.