Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has heaped praise on striker Nicolas Jackson ahead of the Blues’ match against Newcastle this weekend.
The Senegal poacher already has five goals in eight Premier League matches so far this term, as well as three assists.
And his influence will be pivotal when the Magpies visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Speaking to the press, Maresca said: “We know very well that he is important for us.
On the ball he is working fantastic – he’s scoring goals, he’s assisting, he’s linking with his team-mates; off the ball he is working hard, he’s pressing the way we want to press and he’s doing fantastic with us.
“We also have Christopher [Nkunku] there. He’s going to help us because the season is very long.
What Enzo said. 🎤⤵️
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“We have so many games and also sometimes the game plan can be different, it can be more for Christopher than Nico. We also have young talent so we can choose.”
Newcastle have not been at their best so far this term, sitting ninth with just 12 points, although that is only two off their opponents.
Maresca has sympathised with Eddie Howe and praised the North-East side, believing they should have more points than they do.
He added: “Newcastle are very clear, their physicality is very strong, they’re very good.
“Probably, they’ve been a bit unlucky, in the last game against Brighton, but I think they deserve some more points.
“The way they work, [they’ve had] many different years together, it’s quite clear. I really like Newcastle and now is a chance for a team to do good because they are in a difficult [stage].”
