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Former Chelsea and Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips has praised Nicolas Jackson. The former England international insisted that the Blues striker has stepped up his game significantly this season.
With Cole Palmer getting all the plaudits for his exceptional run of form since joining Chelsea, Wright-Phillips has singled out Jackson for praise. He insisted that the Blues are not overly reliant on Palmer thanks to Jackson picking up his game.
Wright-Phillips has acknowledged that he criticized the 23-year-old for his poor finishing last season. He reckons that the Senegal international has seen a major improvement in his game with Enzo Maresca working one-on-one with the striker. Wright-Phillips told Premier League Productions, as quoted by TBR Football:
“Do you know what I love is, to be honest, Jackson. I was highly critical of him last year. I think, to see the difference in him this year in that final third area."
The Premier League-winning winger with the Blues in 2005-06 added:
"He definitely has had one-on-one work with the manager and that is helping Chelsea as well because, now they aren’t just relying on Cole Palmer. He is stepping up to the plate, whether it be assists or scoring. He is in the right place and taking chances.”
Jackson joined Chelsea from Villarreal in the summer of 2023 in a deal worth a reported £32 million and registered 17 goals and six assists in 44 games across competitions last season.
The striker has been much more prolific in the final third this season, having scored four goals and provided three assists in seven games in all competitions.
Chelsea keen on Arsenal and Real Madrid target
Chelsea have reportedly registered their interest in highly-rated Brazilian defender Vitor Reis who plies his trade for Palmeiras. According to The Athletic via Chelsea.news, the Blues are monitoring the development of the 18-year-old who has also attracted interest from Arsenal and Real Madrid.
Vitor Reis is just 18 and is regarded highly by scouts from all across the globe. He has been impressive for his boyhood club Palmeiras since breaking into the first team earlier this year.
Reis has made 15 senior appearances for Palmeiras and has been capped 11 times for Brazil across various youth levels. The lanky youngster is a ball-playing defender by trade, boasting excellent technique and composure on the ball.
