Nicolas Jackson is such a key player for Chelsea with his all-round contribution at the top end of the pitch.
That is according to Blues head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Nicolas Jackson, 22, is certainly an individual that’s been under the spotlight during his debut Chelsea season.
The young attacker has a decent return of eight goals in 23 club appearances so far, but he’s come under-fire for criticism because of his poor finishing.
He’s missed the last few games while at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. However, Pochettino confirmed Jackson could return in time to make Chelsea’s bench for tonight’s Premier League match away at Liverpool.
Jackson has received some very high praise from Chelsea’s manager following his recent absence.
The energetic forward has been applauded for his commitment and pressing from the front, plus his overall impact on the XI at Stamford Bridge.
“But with Nico, we miss this aggressivity that he provides in front, he runs a lot, the effort is massive and he helps the team to press high, recover and then to score goals because also he is scoring goals,” Pochettino said via The Evening Standard.
“He has a good record at the moment. I think we miss him a lot and now, yes, happy in some way because we can recover him and the other side, of course, is sad because they lost. But selfishly, I am happy because maybe tomorrow he can be with us.”
Mauricio Pochettino praises Nicolas Jackson
Senegal’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament is good news for Chelsea!
Jackson’s certainly not everyone’s cup of tea and he’s got plenty of doubters, but you can’t deny that he’s made a huge impact when he’s played for the Blues since his summer arrival.
He needs to refine plenty of areas of his game to develop into a top-class player. However, he’s got incredible raw talent and does knit a lot of good things together for Chelsea’s attack.
The striker’s hold up play is excellent. Also, he works his socks off and is a nuisance.
Jackson should get a huge vote of confidence when he reads Pochettino’s latest comments.
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