Former Super Eagles midfielder Mikel Obi has lauded Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson following his improved form at the club this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
Jackson joined Chelsea from Spanish La Liga club Villarreal last season. The Senegal international was largely untested, as he had just one season of top-flight football before making the big switch, but he fit in with Chelsea’s policy of signing young players from clubs across Europe.
Last season, Jackson struggled at Chelsea. He had a penchant for missing players, even in crucial games. Although he registered 17 goals and six assists in 44 appearances, it was still a disappointing campaign for the Senegalese star.
Former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi has been critical of Jackson since last season. He has even urged the club to sign another striker to give the team an extra bite in the final third.
However, Jackson has shut his critics down with his impressive displays since the start of the campaign. He has registered four goals and two assists in five Premier League games this season. Last weekend at West Ham, the Senegal international registered two goals and an assist to help Chelsea to a comfortable 3-win.
Following Jackson’s impressive performances, Mikel, who was critical of him, has taken a U-turn to praise the Chelsea star.
“We are here to help the players, we’re not here to criticize players to put them down. If the players are listening and taking what we are saying and try to improve, that’s what I want,” Mikel said on the ObiOne podcast.
“I’m sure the players want the best for Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson wants the best for Chelsea. I’ve said time and again that there is a player there, and it’s amazing to see that he’s taking what I’ve been saying on board to improve.
“The way he scored the two goals (against West Ham) were fantastic. The way he finished the first goal and the second goal just shows that there’s someone trying to improve in scoring goals.”
“After four minutes, people were saying, ‘Mikel you’ve created an absolute monster of a striker’. And that’s what I want. The guy is scoring goals, he’s doing well and we’re winning games.”
Jackson’s rejuvenation has also coincided with Chelsea’s upturn in form. He will be looking to continue with his impressive performances and spur the Blues to a good finish in the Premier League.
