Exciting Chelsea verdict as new signing likened to Blues legend and Premier League icon, with big season expected
Mykhaylo Mudryk and Nicolas Jackson celebrate Chelsea goal in pre-season
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is hoping for big things from Nicolas Jackson this season, following the centre-forward’s transfer from Villarreal to Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.
Chelsea spent £32million when landing Jackson in June, and subsequently tied him down to an eight-year contract. The Senegal international’s main aim is to add more threat to the Chelsea attack, after the side only managed 38 goals in the Premier League last season.
Jackson impressed during Chelsea’s pre-season matches, just like fellow new arrival Christopher Nkunku. Sadly for new Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino, Nkunku will be out for several months after sustaining a knee problem. But Pochettino can still rely on Jackson, thankfully.
Jackson will be hoping for an effective first campaign in England, having netted 13 goals in 38 matches for Villarreal last term.
And Sturridge has sung the praises of Jackson, comparing him to legendary Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and entertaining Prem icon Mario Balotelli.
“The signing of Nicolas Jackson is a very good signing for me,” Sturridge said on Sky Sports before Chelsea’s game against Liverpool on Sunday (via Sky Sports’ live transfer centre, 13/08 at 13:57).
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“I liken his style to a hybrid of a young Balotelli with the presence, the skills and the strength, then Didier [Drogba].
“He doesn’t have as powerful a shot as those two players, but his abilities are things that players of his height and stature aren’t used to having.
Chelsea can benefit from star’s ‘blistering pace’
“His abilities on the ball, to manipulate it, to create problems for defenders, he’s very mobile, makes very good run, makes runs in between the two centre halves and he has blistering pace.
“When he runs through, it’s very difficult to catch him so I’m excited to see him today.”
Pochettino will certainly be hoping Jackson hits the ground running. Chelsea have sold Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz this summer, while also putting Romelu Lukaku on the market and loaning David Datro Fofana out.
Jackson is resultantly the only fit striker – that Pochettino trusts – in the Chelsea squad, with fellow centre-forward Armando Broja still getting back to full fitness after his ACL injury.
