Pochettino makes quick Jackson U-turn after difficult Chelsea start
Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that Nicolas Jackson still “needs time to adapt” after a stuttering start to life in the Premier League, having previously tipped him to become one of the division's all-time greats.
The Senegalese striker completed a move to Chelsea earlier this summer - the Blues paying Spanish side Villarreal around £32m for his services. He has been Chelsea ’s first-choice striker since then following an injury to fellow summer signing Christopher Nkunku.
He has made five appearances for Pochettino’s side. Jackson’s only goal so far came in the 3-0 victory over Luton at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old should really have notched his second goal for the Blues against Nottingham Forest but blazed a great opportunity over the crossbar late on.
Speaking after Saturday’s slender defeat to the Reds, Chelsea boss Pochettino was full of praise for Jackson but claimed he still has a lot of work to do. He said: “I think in the future we will be talking differently. He needs time to adapt to the Premier League. He is doing a fantastic job but scoring is not easy.
“He is a little bit rushed in his decisions. He needs to be a little bit more calm and relaxed and for sure he is going to score goals.”
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Pochettino had already talked up Jackson’s abilities after his debut goal for the Blues against Luton. The Argentine claimed that the young forward had the potential to eventually become a legendary figure in the Premier League.
Nicolas Jackson has scored one goal for Chelsea in five appearances (Getty Images)How many goals do you think Nicolas Jackson will score this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
"It’s difficult to find a player like him in the market. For me he has the potential to be one of the great Premier League strikers,” he said after Jackson’s strike against Luton.
“He only needs time and we won’t rush with him, we will give him time and space to grow. His qualities are fantastic.”
The striker will hope to get back on form over the next fortnight before his next outing for Chelsea. He has been named in the Senegal squad for the upcoming international break.
The African nation face Rwanda in their final African Cup of Nations qualifier next weekend before then tackling Algeria in a friendly. Jackson has three international caps to his name since making his debut since November last year but is yet to score his first goal.
He was handed international recognition throughout last season following his standout form for former club Villarreal. Jackson scored 13 goals and notched five assists across what was an impressive breakout campaign for the Spanish outfit ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge.
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