Former Super Eagles star and Chelsea legend Mikel Obi has heaped praise on Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, commending his remarkable turnaround this season after finding his scoring form.
Jackson, who joined Chelsea from La Liga club Villarreal last season, had been subject to doubt due to inconsistent performances and missed chances.
Despite scoring 17 goals and providing six assists in 44 appearances last season, his campaign was considered underwhelming, especially given the high expectations for the Senegalese striker. Mikel Obi was one of those critical of Jackson’s form.
At the time, Mikel had even suggested that Chelsea should pursue another striker, feeling Jackson wasn’t quite ready to lead the line for the club.
He had urged Chelsea to sign a more established forward, such as Victor Osimhen, to add firepower to the team’s attack. However, the deal for Osimhen didn’t materialize.
Galatasaray’s Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen during the Turkish Super lig football match against Fenerbahce. (Photo by OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images)
This season, however, Jackson has silenced his critics, including Mikel, with a string of impressive performances.
In just five Premier League games, the Senegal international has scored four goals and provided two assists, including a standout performance last weekend against West Ham, where he netted twice and contributed an assist in Chelsea’s comfortable victory.
Following Jackson’s resurgence, Mikel has changed his tone, now praising the striker on his new form.
“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 trying to improve, that’s what I want,” Mikel said on his ObiOne podcast.
Former football player, Mikel John Obi. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
“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.
Reflecting on Jackson’s performance against West Ham, Mikel continued: “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.”
