With every game and every goal, Nicholas Jackson has shown the full potential of what Mauricio Pochettino has known all season: Chelsea's head coach couldn't be happier.
After joining from Villarreal in the summer, the Senegalese international scored eight goals in his first 24 games in all competitions.
And the 22-year-old has continued to improve throughout the season, scoring nine goals in his final 18 competitive games, turning his record from one in three to one in every two.
But there's more to the forward's game than just goals, as his running behind, dribbling and hold-up play continues to cause problems for opposing defenders.
Jackson's performances have drawn praise from pundits and fans alike in recent weeks, and Pochettino was also asked about it yesterday.
“I think Nico has the potential to be a very good striker, a great striker,” he said. It's just patience and time.
“He was criticized from the beginning because he was always compared to Didier Drogba since he's been here for a few years. And it's the same when you talk about the history of the club… we are comparable to the history of Chelsea. We're building a team.”
He continued, “Be careful not to judge or be radical about your opinions because you're going to look at what's going on and what we're doing here.”
“As for Nico, opinions are changing because of his confidence and hard work.
“I accept, if you see something you don't like, you can explain it, but football is very dynamic and can change, so if people want to see Nico I'm very happy that you see it the same way I did.” [earlier in the season]. ”
After Jackson scored the winning header against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the forward jumped into the crowd and celebrated with the fans.
As expected, Jackson was subsequently cautioned by the referee, and while some head coaches would have been disappointed to see a player receive a yellow card during his celebrations, Pochettino was the opposite.
He said, “I’m very happy about that.” [celebration] I enjoy it when the fans have fun with the players.it's more than that for me [important] More so than my relationship with my coach.
“We have to create something that makes the fans really love the players, because they are the stars.”
He added: “As for Nico, we supported him and did our best to stay calm and work hard because we know his abilities and qualities and we have time to show it.”
“We are very happy and very proud that this happened.”
Pochettino was also asked about two 2023 signings: Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo.
Enzo has missed Chelsea's four-game unbeaten run due to groin surgery, and with the team's performances improving, Pochettino asked if the Argentine and Caicedo could “play together”. It was done.
“Of course,” Pochettino replied. “It's a bit unlucky for Enzo because the team is starting to become more mature.” [since dropping out of the team] But Enzo is a great player and world champion who can fit into any team in the world.
“I have no doubt that he will become even stronger with another year of experience. He knows what we expect from him and I have no doubt he will be a great addition to Chelsea.”
Caicedo is one of the Blues players who continues to improve as the season progresses.
And to the delight of supporters, Pochettino believes the best is yet to come from the 22-year-old.
Manager Pochettino said, “I expect more from him.'' I have no doubt that even if he is doing well, he will be better next season. Because he knows what it means to play for Chelsea. All pressure will be released.
“The good thing is that 99% of the players (because 100% is impossible) really believe in the way we do things and agree with the way we want to apply our philosophy and the way we want to play. That’s it.”
'That's amazing. The idea is to have players that you really trust and believe in wholeheartedly. That's why the future is definitely going to be great, and he's one of those players who still has room for improvement.”
