Didier Drogba has vouched for Nicolas Jackson ahead of Chelsea's clash against Arsenal on Tuesday evening. Despite some poor results for the team this season, the 22-year-old striker has enjoyed a promising debut campaign in the Premier League.
Jackson, who joined the Blues from Villarreal in the summer for PS32million, has featured 28 times in the English top flight, netting 10 and setting up four. While he's not always marked his impressive performances with a goal, the Senegal international has provided Mauricio Pochettino's side with a crucial link between midfield and attack.
Speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon ahead of Chelsea's trip to the Emirates Stadium, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss was quizzed on Jackson's progress. Pochettino heaped praise on his talisman and backed him to get even better next season.
"The first season is always difficult for all of the players, more when you are in a position like a striker and you need to perform and score goals. Everyone expects every single touch to score a goal.
"He is our main striker; the only striker we have fit because [Christopher] Nkunku nearly did not play in the whole season. [Armando] Broja, also, and then he moved to Fulham, wanting to play more.
"Yes, he is doing fantastic. He is doing an amazing job for the team - running, scoring goals and giving assists. In his first season, a young guy coming from Spain, even with not much experience there, I think he is doing fantastic.
Pochettino added: "The players here to match the icon players here like Drogba, if we compare with Drogba, yes he is always going to lose, but if we split the history of the club from the team and the performance of Jackson, I think he is doing fantastic. He is going to have all of my support.
"Even if he doesn't score, the way he is fighting for the club, fighting for his teammates, for the team and producing sometimes chances. He needs time to improve. He is going to be better next season, for sure. There is no doubt about that. He only needs to keep going."
A few hours later, Drogba also backed Jackson with a heartwarming message on social media. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Chelsea legend wrote: "Keep your head High UP and never stop working hard, it will pay off [praying emoji and blue heart emoji]."
Jackson will be determined to repay Pochettino and answer Drogba when the west London outfit lock horns with Arsenal on Tuesday evening.
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