Little spared from criticism since his arrival at Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson is not losing his temper. In the Big Interview show, the Senegalese reveals that they are more of a source of motivation than anything else.
An impressive season with Chelsea
At 23, the native of Banjul (Gambia) has established himself as a key element in Chelsea’s good momentum at the start of the season. The Senegalese striker has scored eight goals and three assists in 14 Premier League appearances, showing significant progress under Enzo Maresca. His finishing, the target of ridicule last year, is clearly improving. And his profile is now essential to the system put in place by the Italian coach.
Many observers were concerned about the absence of major recruits for the Blues attack this summer, after the failure of leads leading to Nigerian Victor Osimhen and Spaniard of Nigerian origin Samu Omorodion. However, Jackson is proving that he can handle that role as a primary forward.
Critics as a driving force!
Criticism is an integral part of a player’s career. But while the majority of them prefer to ignore them to protect themselves, the player trained at Casa Sports goes ahead. He even says that he appreciates them and that they represent a source of motivation.
“I like hearing people say bad things about me, criticize me on the pitch. It’s nice, it helps you, I love it, you know,” he confided Tuesday during the Big Interview show.
A statement that does not go unnoticed in the United Kingdom, where the striker is starting to be praised for his mentality and his efforts.
But if he says today that he appreciates the criticism, the former Villarreal striker had little taste for that of the Nigerian John Obi Mikel, former Chelsea legend, towards him. “Shut your mouth. Stop talking s***, we’re killing ourselves for Africa,” he posted at the end of last August on his Instagram story. An outing which earned him mixed feedback, but above all an express refocusing from his agent, the former Senegalese international Diomansy Kamara. An episode which visibly bore fruit…
Always discreet in selection
While his club performance is encouraging, the Lions are still waiting to see the best of Jackson in the den. In 19 caps, the former Villarreal striker only scored one small goal, accumulating misses. In March, for the resumption of World Cup qualifying, he will have another opportunity to adjust his shot.
