Former Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given has praised Nicolas Jackson despite the striker failing to score in Chelsea’s 1-0 loss against the Villans yesterday.
Nicolas Jackson was unable to find the back of the net once again and also picked up his fifth yellow card of the season during his side’s latest defeat at Stamford Bridge, but Given is liking some of the stuff he is seeing from the 22-year-old.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Given said: “I do like Jackson as a forward, and Wrighty might correct me, but I think he makes some brilliant runs.”
Jackson’s booking against Villa means he will now miss Chelsea’s west London derby versus Fulham next Monday.
The Senegal international has scored just one goal for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, which came against newly-promoted Luton Town, so discipline is not the only thing he is struggling with right now.
Chance for Armando Broja
Jackson’s unavailability for the Fulham game should see Broja earn a start in the team.
The 22-year-old has now returned from his injury and is the only other centre-forward in Chelsea’s squad.
And if Broja can deliver against Marco Silva’s side, perhaps he could end up retaining his spot in Pochettino’s starting XI amid Jackson’s struggles.
Whatever happens, Chelsea are still probably going to have to go out and buy a new No.9 in January or next summer.
Both Broja and Jackson are quite young and may not be ready to fire the Blues back into the top four and make them competitive again.
In terms of who Chelsea could go for, the Daily Mirror recently claimed that they are likely to make a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
