Nicolas Jackson has made a strong start at Chelsea. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Daniel Sturridge has likened Chelsea new boy Nicolas Jackson to club legend Didier Drogba, while Micah Richards says the striker will become ‘a star this season’.
The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Villarreal in a £32m deal, signing an eight-year contract.
The forward’s task this season has taken on even greater importance with the news that fellow new signing Christopher Nkunku is set to miss the next four months with injury.
But Jackson’s pre-season has given supporters plenty of optimism as he showed his prowess in front of goal.
And Sturridge is clearly one of those supporters, with the former Chelsea man comparing Jackson to club legend Drogba for his style of play.
‘I think the signing of Nicolas Jackson, for me, is a very good signing,’ said Sturridge.
‘I liken his style to a hybrid of a young Mario Balotelli in terms of the skills and the presence and strength, and Didier Drogba. Of course he doesn’t have as powerful a shot of those two players but his ability around the box, his one-twos, his flicks and tricks.
‘These are things of his height and stature are not normally used to having. I think his ability on the ball to manipulate it, to create problems for defenders, he’s very mobile, he makes very good runs, he makes peeling runs inbetween the two centre-halves and he’s got blistering pace.
‘When he runs through it’s very difficult to catch him. I’m excited to see him today.’
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Fellow Sky Sports pundit Richards was also complimentary of Jackson and says the striker will become a ‘star’ this term.
‘I think the good thing that I was impressed with is that he runs in behind,’ said Richards.
‘How many times last season did you watch Chelsea and everyone was coming to the ball. It was too easy. You knew what they were going to do.
‘He’s bringing excitement. He’s bringing a freshness. I think he’s going to be a star this season.’
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What a compliment…