Mauricio Pochettino has expressed his delight at how Nicolas Jackson is “changing opinions” following a strong first season at the club.
Jackson, who arrived from Spanish side Villareal last summer in a deal worth £30m has scored 14 Premier League goals, and 17 in all competitions with two games still remaining.
His total this season is more than the legendary Didier Drogba managed in his first year at the club, and his progress from the start of the campaign has been huge.
Jackson changing opinions
The 22-year-old has impressed with his all round play and received plaudits for his link up and hold up play, his ability to create chances and the way he stretches teams with his pace.
However, despite all this the Senegal international has been criticised for the amount of chances he’s missed, and openly admitted himself he should have more goals.
The perception around Jackson has started to shift in recent weeks, and if he scores against Brighton he would become the first Chelsea player to score in four consecutive league games since Mason Mount in December 2021.
Pocehttino is really pleased with Jackson’s progress but warned people against being so “radical” with their opinions.
“To judge and be so radical with your opinions, be careful because it is about seeing what is going on and what we are doing here”, the 52-year-old told Chelsea’s website.
“With Nico, through confidence and through working really hard, he is changing opinions.
“I accept, if you are seeing things that you do not like then you can describe it but because football is so dynamic and can change, I am so happy that people are now seeing Nico in the way we saw him [earlier in the season].”
The Argentine expressed he’s proud Jackson is repaying the faith he and his coaching staff showed in the forward.
“‘With Nico, we backed him and we gave everything to be calm and work hard because we knew the capacity and quality he has and because he has the time to show it”, he added.
“We are so happy and so proud this happened.”
Jackson has set himself a target of 15 league goals and needs one more from Chelsea’s final two games to hit it.
