Didier Drogba gives Nicolas Jackson private instruction ahead of Arsenal vs Chelsea clash
Nicolas Jackson has the support of Didier Drogba ahead of Chelsea’s Tuesday night match against Arsenal. The 22-year-old striker has had a promising first season in the Premier League, despite some disappointing performances for the team this year.
Jackson, who paid £32 million to join the Blues from Villarreal in the summer, has made 28 appearances in the English Premier League, scoring 10 goals and providing four assists. Although the Senegal international hasn’t always crowned his outstanding efforts with a goal, he has given Mauricio Pochettino’s team an essential connection between midfield and attack.
Speaking to reporters on Monday afternoon ahead of Chelsea’s trip to the Emirates Stadium, the former Tottenham Hotspur boss was quizzed on Jackson’s progress. Pochettino heaped praise on his talisman and backed him to get even better next season.
“The first season is always difficult for all of the players, more when you are in a position like a striker and you need to perform and score goals. Everyone expects every single touch to score a goal.
“He is our main striker; the only striker we have fit because [Christopher] Nkunku nearly did not play in the whole season. [Armando] Broja, also, and then he moved to Fulham, wanting to play more.
“Yes, he is doing fantastic. He is doing an amazing job for the team – running, scoring goals and giving assists. In his first season, a young guy coming from Spain, even with not much experience there, I think he is doing fantastic.
Pochettino added: “The players here to match the icon players here like Drogba, if we compare with Drogba, yes he is always going to lose, but if we split the history of the club from the team and the performance of Jackson, I think he is doing fantastic. He is going to have all of my support.
“Even if he doesn’t score, the way he is fighting for the club, fighting for his teammates, for the team and producing sometimes chances. He needs time to improve. He is going to be better next season, for sure. There is no doubt about that. He only needs to keep going.”
A few hours later, Drogba also backed Jackson with a heartwarming message on social media. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Chelsea legend wrote: “Keep your head High UP and never stop working hard, it will pay off [praying emoji and blue heart emoji].”
Jackson will be determined to repay Pochettino and answer Drogba when the west London outfit lock horns with Arsenal on Tuesday evening.