Troy Deeney on Match of the Day 2.
Troy Deeney on Match of the Day 2.

“He is growing and learning” – Troy Deeney names Chelsea ace who’s really impressed him

Former Premier League striker Troy Deeney believes Nicolas Jackson is “very good” but feels there’s a lot he can still work on.

Jackson arrived at Chelsea from Spanish side Villarreal in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth £32m and impressed in his debut season.

The 23-year-old scored 17 goals, 14 of which came in the Premier League and was rewarded with a two year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2033.

Deeney a big fan of Jackson

It’s no secret the Blues wanted to sign a striker having pursued Victor Osimhen for the majority of the summer, with a lot made of the fact they didn’t bring a number nine in.

However, Jackson’s start to the season has shown that may not have been a bad thing and the Senegal international has six goals and three assists in nine games.

The improvement in Jackson from the end of last season to now is huge and the early signs are his finishing has improved, whilst he continues to impress with his hold up and link up play.

Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring for Chelsea against Liverpool.
Nicolas Jackson celebrates scoring against Liverpool. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca stated in his press conference before Sunday’s game against Manchester United that he was very happy with Jackson, and it’s not hard to see why.

Jackson is keeping Christopher Nkunku out of the side and is changing the minds of those who doubted him and Deeney believes the striker is growing and learning.

“I think he’s very good and he’s 23. I think he is growing and learning,” he told talkSPORT as cited on X.com.

“There is still loads he could work on. Would I, at this moment in time see him in a place where he could be Ballon d’Or winner? No, but I get what his teammate (Koulibaly) is talking about there, in terms of like believing it is the hardest part and getting after it.”

With the amount of chances Chelsea create Jackson has the capability to be a 20 goals a season striker and he will be looking to add to his goal tally against United on Sunday.

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