Enzo Maresca is yet to use Nicolas Jackson in any pre-season games this summer due to his fitness, but he’s just delivered an interesting insight into where he wants to play the Chelsea star when he’s fit.
Nicolas Jackson, 23, has been with Chelsea’s touring squad during their whole time in the United States. Unfortunately, he’s still recovering from an ankle problem, so hasn’t got on the pitch in any friendly matches yet. It must so frustrating for the individual that he can’t show new head coach Enzo Maresca what he can offer.
Jackson was pictured training with his Chelsea teammates last Friday, so it would be great to see him get his first minutes of pre-season during Wednesday’s match against Real Madrid.
The Senegal international had a decent debut season with the Blues last year, scoring 17 goals in 44 games across all competitions. Hopefully, he can kick on in his second campaign and go up another gear.
Jackson ended up as Chelsea’s main central striker for much of last season, but he’s shown he’s comfortable as a left-winger as well.
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Enzo Maresca views Nicolas Jackson as a striker
Chelsea supporters will be intrigued to hear the manager’s latest comments in his press conference.
Maresca has clearly mapped out that Jackson is a centre-forward in his plans going into the 2024/25 season.
When asked what position he sees Jackson in, Maresca said Football.London: “And for the position, I see Nicolas as a striker… Nicolas is a number nine but if we need him out on the wing, he will be a winger.”
Chelsea competition in attack next season
Now it’s clear Jackson’s mainly playing as a striker under Maresca, it’s going to be interesting to see his competition for the main starting position.
Marc Guiu and Armando Broja are current Blues strikers that would surely be behind Jackson in the pecking order, but the club are linked with potential new signings in attack.
The Telegraph has reported that Chelsea are interested in Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who are two out-and-out strikers.
It’s claimed by journalist Ben Jacobs on X that Atletico will sell Omorodion if they sign Julian Alvarez, so Chelsea may only be one step away from landing their target. Jackson would have to be favourite to maintain the starting role at Stamford Bridge, though.
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