Ashely Cole says £32m Chelsea star is the key to them beating Liverpool on Sunday
Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson is the key to his side’s chances of beating Liverpool this weekend in the League Cup final.
That is according to Ashely Cole.
Nicolas Jackson, 22, has caught the eye for the Blues since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this month.
The young attacker has come under-fire for criticism at times during this debut season in English football, but he’s still chipped in with nine goals and three assists so far.
He certainly impressed during the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. In fact, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast this week, Micah Richards said it was Jackson’s best performance in a Chelsea shirt at the Etihad Stadium.
Ashely Cole has paid Jackson a huge compliment by explaining why he’s he vital for Chelsea going into Sunday’s Carabao Cup final versus Liverpool.
“I thought Jackson played the centre-forward role [against Man City] the best he’s played since he’s been Chelsea. He linked the game,” Ashely Cole told talkSPORT.
When asked how Chelsea can beat Liverpool, Pardew responded: “Jackson, in my opinion, is the key. If he can link the game like he did Saturday, he really linked it well, then you’ve got a springboard then for Sterling and Gallagher to get on to things.”
We predict Jackson will be in the starting line-up at Wembley Stadium versus Liverpool, whether that’s as the central striker or an inverted winger.
While his finishing is still a bit erratic, his all-round game in terms of build-up play is excellent.
The £32 million star (Sky Sports) could be a key figure in trying to crack a top Liverpool side.
We certainly feel Blues teammates such as Raheem Sterling, Conor Gallagher and Christopher Nkunku can benefit playing off of him.