Enzo Maresca has once again reiterated how well Nicolas Jackson is doing but highlighted where the striker can still improve.
Jackson arrived at Chelsea from Spanish side Villarreal in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £32m and had a successful debut campaign.
The 23-year-old scored 14 Premier League goals and was rewarded with a new two year contract extension tying him down at the club until 2033.
Maresca highlights where Jackson can still improve
It’t no secret the Blues wanted to sign a striker in the summer having pursued Victor Osimhen for the majority of the window, whilst they also saw a move for Samu Omorodion collapse at the last minute despite everything being agreed.
A lot was made of a striker not being signed, but Jackson’s start to the campaign has shown that hasn’t been an issue, whilst the Blues are also the third highest scorers in the league.
Jackson has started all 12 league matches, keeping the more established Christopher Nkunku out of the side and has a return of seven goals and three assists.
Pat Nevin has backed the Senegal international to score 20 goals this season, and providing he stays fit that looks more than achievable.
Nicolas Jackson holds off a Bournemouth defender. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Jackson has made a brilliant start to the season. (Photo by Ryan Hiscott/Getty Images)
Having been criticised last season, Jamie O’Hara believes the Senegalese is actually turning into a really good striker.
Speaking ahead of the Aston Villa game Maresca highlighted again how well Jackson was doing, whilst also pointing out where he can improve.
“He is already good, he’s already good enough for us,” he told his pre-match press conference.
“Like all the players, there are many things that he can do better. Sometimes this season it happened that he had one vs one chances that he missed.
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A Chelsea flag in the evening at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca plays it cool in Premier League press conference.
“That can happen. He can improve that area. He can be a bit more brave on the ball when we need him to link [play]. Overall, they’re areas he’s already improving a lot.”
Jackson will be hoping to add to his goal tally against Villa on Sunday, but he’s also just one booking away from a suspension and Chelsea would much rather he missed Wednesday’s trip to Southampton than next weekend’s huge game against Tottenham.