Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been using Cole Palmer up front lately, while Nicolas Jackson has been deployed on the left.
However, in Chelsea‘s 1-1 draw with Manchester City yesterday, Mauricio Pochettino decided to put Nicolas Jackson back in his more familiar position.
For former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, it is a decision that worked. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live during the game, he thought the Blues looked dangerous as a result.
It was Jackson who set up Raheem Sterling’s opener after some excellent combination play.
It was the Senegal international’s third assist in the Premier League this season, meaning that he has registered 10 goal contributions in the competition.
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Leon Osman praises Mauricio Pochettino’s use of Nicolas Jackson
Osman thought letting Jackson lead the line at the Etihad was the right call.
On Pochettino’s decision to start him up front, he said: “Chelsea are continuing to look dangerous on the break. The decision to play Nicolas Jackson through the middle is paying off. Jackson should have picked out Conor Gallagher earlier, but it was a difficult finish for Gallagher.”
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Nicolas Jackson’s future could be on the wing
Jackson has come in for a lot of criticism this season, but he is definitely not a bad attacker and showed that yesterday.
The 22-year-old, who cost Chelsea £32m (The Guardian) following his move from Villarreal last summer, may not be prolific enough to be the Blues’ first-choice striker just yet. But on the flanks, with his dribbling ability, pace and power, he looks quite the threat.
It may be something for Pochettino to think about going forward, especially if Chelsea bring in a new No.9 in the summer.
According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is the Blues’ main attacking target.
A centre-forward of the Nigerian’s profile will be expected to start every game, meaning that Jackson will either have to settle for a place on the bench or play out wide. From what he has shown as a winger so far, the latter is not impossible.
