Nicolas Jackson: 'Unbelievable' Chelsea striker deserves 'more respect' after superb start to season - Crouch, Cole
ByOli Gent
Published 28/09/2024 at 08:51 GMT+1
TNT Sports experts Peter Crouch and Joe Cole both heaped praise on Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after the Senegal international's stellar start to the new season. Jackson has four goals in five Premier League games this term, having notched 14 in 35 last season. Both Crouch and Cole believe that he has the backing of Enzo Maresca, but he needs "more respect" from those outside of Chelsea.
Highlights: Jackson strikes twice, Palmer nets again as Chelsea sweep aside West Ham
Video credit: TNT Sports
TNT Sports experts Peter Crouch and Joe Cole have praised Nicolas Jackson, labelling the Senegal international "unbelievable" and "in a good place" at Chelsea.
Jackson has netted four times in his first five Premier League games this term, including a double in Chelsea's impressive 3-0 win over West Ham United.
He came under scrutiny last season for missing numerous big chances in an underperforming Blues side, although he still hit 14 goals in 35 league appearances.
He is looking to add to his tally at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, when Enzo Maresca's Blues take on Brighton & Hove Albion.
TNT Sports pundit Crouch, who himself has 108 Premier League goals, believes that the striker deserves "more respect" from his doubters.
"I think [he] has been unbelievable," Crouch said.
"I looked at the stats from last year, and if you take penalties out of it, he’s ahead of Mo Salah. There’s only [Erling] Haaland that’s above him. So many technical players with ability and that have scored a lot of goals, he’s right up there [with them]. He probably needs a little bit more respect.
"He missed quite a lot of chances last year and got highlighted for that, but he’s continued to get them, and now he’s taking them. Hopefully a good season for him."
Fellow TNT pundit Cole, a former Chelsea midfielder, hopes that Jackson is "confident" following his recent purple patch of form, and believes that the striker is "in a good place" under the current Blues set-up.
"He’s come in for a lot of stick," Cole said.
"He’s a young striker learning his trade, and he’s learning it on the biggest stage. He’s scoring goals. The one thing is, I hope he’s confident. He’s had a great start, a great pre-season, and took his second goal at West Ham brilliantly.
"Just keep developing, keep learning, keep improving your game. You’ve worked so hard for the team. The manager clearly believes in him. He’s in a good place."
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'We rate him highly' - Palmer says everyone at Chelsea knows what Jackson is capable of
Video credit: TNT Sports
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