Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew has said he believes Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is the key to beating Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.
The 22 year old forward has impressed since returning from the African Cup of Nations at the start of February.
Jackson has been criticised at times during his debut campaign in the Premier League but has still scored nine goals and provided three assists from 27 appearances in all competitions.
The Senegal international arguably had his best game in a Chelsea shirt in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City setting up Raheem Sterling’s goal with a brilliant pass and constantly causing the City defence problems.
Pardew has heaped praise on Jackson explaining why he will be vital if Chelsea are going to have a chance of getting their hands on the Carabao Cup.
Speaking on talkSPORT the 62 year old said: “I thought Jackson played the centre forward role against Man City the best he’s played since he’s been at Chelsea, he linked the game.”
Pardew was then asked how Chelsea could beat Liverpool and responded: “Jackson, in my opinion, is the key. If he can link the game like he did Saturday, he really linked it well, then you’ve got a springboard then for Sterling and Gallagher to get on to things.”
Mauricio Pochettino will certainly be hoping that the young forward can help play a major role in winning Chelsea the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2015 and his first trophy in England as a manager.
