Demba Ba has sent a message to Nicolas Jackson after his fellow countryman moved to Chelsea from Villarreal.
The 38-year-old made the comments when speaking to London World.
So, what did Demba Ba say to Nicolas Jackson? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, Ba knows what it takes to lead the line for Chelsea, having made 51 appearances for the Blues.
Now, the Senegalese icon – who is currently Chairman of ASC San Diego – has offered a word of advice to Jackson following his £32m move from Villarreal, and he didn’t mince his words.
Ba told London World: “I think there’s one thing that you have to do on top of everything when you’re at a club, like Chelsea, especially at night. You need to ask yourself some questions, how can I say this without being rude. With respect, you know, if I was off record, I’ll tell you that he needs balls.”
The man born in Sèvres, France, did eventually find the word he was looking for later on in the interview, as he claimed that Jackson needs to take “responsibility” at Chelsea, and step up to the task of scoring goals.
Chelsea scored just 38 goals in 38 Premier League games last season, which is an embarrassing total for a club of this size – no player at Stamford Bridge even hit double figures for goals.
Therefore, the pressure is on Nicolas Jackson to deliver – in fairness, he has started very well with two goals out in the United States, while on tour with Chelsea.
Nicolas Jackson could soon have a new challenge at Chelsea after Demba Ba comments
If Jackson didn’t already have enough on his plate at Chelsea with a lack of goals throughout Mauricio Pochettino’s squad, he may soon have to fight against Dusan Vlahovic for a starting role.
Fabrizio Romano believes Chelsea and Juventus are currently in talks over a deal for the Serbia international, which will also include Romelu Lukaku going in the opposite direction to Turin.
Vlahovic is an established striker across Europe – who cost Juventus a whopping £66.6m fee – so he would not arrive at Chelsea as a content backup option, to say the least.
Therefore, Jackson may soon have to step up and compete against the Serbian striker for his place at Chelsea.