"He is helping us a lot in the process" - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca expresses delight with 23-year-old Blues star
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has lavished praise on Nicolas Jackson ahead of his team's Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday (November 3). The Senegal international had an underwhelming 2023/24 campaign but has come out all guns blazing this season.
So far, the 23-year-old has made nine English top-flight appearances this year, bagging six goals and three assists. Jackson, along with midfield sensation Cole Palmer, managed to find the net in the Blues' 2-1 league win over Newcastle United last weekend (October 27).
Addressing the striker's performances so far this campaign, Maresca said (via Tribal Football):
"Very happy. First of all, Nicolas is helping us not only in terms of numbers but he is also helping us in terms of the way we want to play; the way he links with his teammates. He is helping us a lot in the process. Every time he drops, he gives us an extra man.
"We saw against Newcastle, when he drops he is causing problems. When he attacks in behind, he is quick and he can score goals. We are very happy and we are trying to work with him in different areas and one of the areas is when he drops, what he has to do."
Jackson signed from Villarreal for Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of €37 million. He has since featured in 54 matches across competitions for the club, bagging 23 goals and nine assists.
Expect Jackson to lead the line for his team when they travel to Old Trafford to face the Red Devils.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca shares his thoughts on Ruben Amorim appointment at Manchester United
Enzo Maresca and his Chelsea team are gearing up to face a struggling Manchester United side, placed 14th in the standings. The Red Devils also made a change at the top after sacking Erik ten Hag earlier in the week.
Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is set to take charge at Old Trafford from November 11 as head coach. This means that Chelsea won't be facing the Portuguese tactician this weekend, but Maresca said about the appointment (via Football London):
"First of all, all the best to him. If the people in charge took that decision it is because they think it's the correct one. All the best to him and all the best to Manchester United."
Ruud van Nistelrooy is set to oversee Manchester United's next three games until Amorim arrives. They play two Premier League matches and one Europa League tie in that period.