Nicolas Jackson likened to Didier Drogba by Daniel Sturridge as Micah Richards hails Chelsea new boy
Chelsea have made a strong start to the 2023/24 season, and their new signing Nicolas Jackson has been a big part of that. The 22-year-old forward joined the Blues from Villarreal in a £32m deal, signing an eight-year contract. And his pre-season has given supporters plenty of optimism as he showed his prowess in front of goal.
Former Chelsea man Daniel Sturridge has likened Jackson to club legend Didier Drogba for his style of play, while fellow Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards says the striker will become ‘a star this season’.
Sturridge: Jackson has a hybrid style of Balotelli and Drogba
‘I think the signing of Nicolas Jackson, for me, is a very good signing,’ said Sturridge. ‘I liken his style to a hybrid of a young Mario Balotelli in terms of the skills and the presence and strength, and Didier Drogba. Of course he doesn’t have as powerful a shot of those two players but his ability around the box, his one-twos, his flicks and tricks. These are things of his height and stature are not normally used to having. I think his ability on the ball to manipulate it, to create problems for defenders, he’s very mobile, he makes very good runs, he makes peeling runs inbetween the two centre-halves and he’s got blistering pace. When he runs through it’s very difficult to catch him. I’m excited to see him today.’
Richards: Jackson will be a star this season
Fellow Sky Sports pundit Richards was also complimentary of Jackson and says the striker will become a ‘star’ this term. ‘I think the good thing that I was impressed with is that he runs in behind,’ said Richards. ‘How many times last season did you watch Chelsea and everyone was coming to the ball. It was too easy. You knew what they were going to do. He’s bringing excitement. He’s bringing a freshness. I think he’s going to be a star this season.’
Conclusion
Nicolas Jackson has made a strong start at Chelsea and has been likened to club legend Didier Drogba by Daniel Sturridge. Micah Richards says the striker will become ‘a star this season’ and with his ability on the ball, his one-twos, his flicks and tricks, it looks like he could be just that. With his arrival at Chelsea, it looks like the Blues could have a real star on their hands.