Nicolas Jackson started up front for Chelsea in their Carabao Cup final clash against Liverpool today.
The striker was unable to score and was taken off in the second half for Christopher Nkunku.
Nevertheless, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who was on commentary duty for Sky Sports (25/02/2024 at 16:52), thinks Nicolas Jackson was still a problem for match-winner Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
The 22-year-old has scored nine goals in 28 appearances for Chelsea this season.
The Blues signed Jackson from Villarreal for £32m (The Guardian) in the last summer transfer window.
Nicolas Jackson caused Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate problems
Neville thinks Van Dijk and Konate would have been happy to see Jackson come off for Nkunku.
On the substitution, the Sky Sports pundit said: “I actually think Van Dijk and Konate will be a little bit happy that Jackson’s gone off. He was physical, just with his running, causing them a problem.”
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Nicolas Jackson’s performance against Liverpool
While Jackson was not able to score at Wembley, it definitely was not his worst performance in a Chelsea shirt.
As Neville highlighted, the Senegal international caused Liverpool’s defence, especially Konate, problems with his strength and directness.
If Jackson can become a bit more clinical, he could end up becoming a very good forward for the Blues. And still just 22 years of age, he has time to. You just have to wonder whether he will be afforded it at a club as demanding as Chelsea.
The former Villarreal man will have a chance to get back to scoring ways on Wednesday when Mauricio Pochettino’s men take on Leeds United in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
