Premier League legend Alan Shearer is excited by the potential of ‘very raw’ Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, while Gary Lineker has given his verdict on Enzo Maresca’s in-form Blues.
Jackson, who joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 in a £32m move from Villarreal, attracted criticism last season despite scoring 17 goals in all competitions.
The Senegal international has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024-25 campaign, scoring four goals in five Premier League games, including a brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win at West Ham.
Shearer says there is ‘no doubt’ about Jackson’s talent and believes he can develop into a consistent goalscorer at Stamford Bridge.
Fellow former England striker Gary Lineker has also praised Jackson for ‘stepping up’ and improving his output in the final third for a Chelsea team sitting fifth in the Premier League.
Maresca’s side lost to Manchester City on the opening weekend but have since taken 10 points from a possible 12 to suggest they will challenge for a top-four place this season.
Chelsea outplayed West Ham at the London Stadium over the weekend and Lineker has been ‘surprised’ by their level given the ongoing chaos at the club in regards to the ownership and recruitment.
‘Another team who are perhaps surprising up a little bit because of the madness at the club is Chelsea,’ Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast.
‘They got another good win at the weekend, Enzo Maresca is doing a good job, he’s got them playing the way he wants them to play.
‘We’ve always seen something in Nicolas Jackson, his movement is excellent and he gets behind players. He’s stepping up now and seems to be improving his finishing.’
Responding to Lineker’s praise of Jackson, Shearer said: ‘You’re right about Jackson you know. There is something in there, there is no doubt.
‘He is very raw but if he gets going which he seems to be doing and keeps working hard and learning, he will end up with a few goals for sure.’
Chelsea will look to continue their encouraging form on Tuesday night when they face League Two side Barrow Town in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The Blues return to Premier League action on Saturday with a home match against Brighton, who have also impressed in the early stages of the new season.
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