Yahoo Sports Gary Lineker backs Chelsea ace to become “top class” if he can improve one side of his game
Gary Lineker has backed Nicolas Jackson to become a “top class” striker with the striker coming in for criticism after a run of one goal in six games.
Chelsea have made a good start to the season and are currently fourth in the league, although they are winless in their last four matches, with Newcastle now a point behind in fifth.
Enzo Maresca has improved a number of players this season with Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo falling into that category along with Jackson.
Lineker backs Jackson to become top class
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £32m and scored 14 Premier League goals as he impressed in his first season.
The Blues pursued Victor Osimhen for the majority of the summer but couldn’t agree a deal for the Nigerian, whilst a deal for Samu Omorodion collapsed.
That meant Jackson has once again been Chelsea’s first choice strike, keeping the more established Christopher Nkunku out of the side.
The 23-year-old has scored 9 Premier League but was criticised in the wake of Chelsea’s draw with Crystal Palace last weekend for missing a number of big chances.
John Obi Mikel believes Chelsea can’t win the league with Jackson and the Blues have been linked with a move for Liam Delap, although a move for the Ipswich striker isn’t likely to happen in January.
Thierry Henry feels Jackson is one his way to becoming the real deal and Lineker thinks Jackson can become top class.
“His movement is really good. It’s not easy if you’re not a natural finisher and I don’t think he is one,” he told The Rest Is Football.
“But if he can improve that side of his game and work at it in training, he could be top class.
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“He’s still very young so that improvement can come. His movement is really good and he’s got a great relationship with Cole Palmer.”
With Nkunku not delivering as a number nine and Guiu still very raw there’s a lot of pressure on Jackson to deliver and the decision to not sign a striker is hurting the Blues at the moment as they desperately need an alternative.
