Chelsea legend John Mikel Obi is fast becoming a Nicolas Jackson fan, as the former midfielder praises the striker for his strong mentality and ability to learn from criticism.
Recall, Mikel questioned Jackson’s abilities as a goal scorer after an unimpressive display in the Blues league opener against Manchester City—a remark that sparked a response from the Senegalese international, who took to his Instagram account, telling the ex-Chelsea star to ‘shut his mouth.‘
But his last four Premier League outings have seen a rejuvenated striker, with Jackson scoring four goals and providing two assists for the Blues, including a brace against West Ham last time out.
Mikel Obi on Nicolas Jackson
In the most recent episode of The Obi One Podcast, Mikel Obi was compelled to retract his earlier assessment of the Chelsea number 15, admitting that he was outstanding in the victory over the Hammers.
He said:
“I came out and I said what I said which I think everybody was trying to say but nobody could say.
“I came out and I said it and he’s shutting everybody up, not just me, everybody up.
“Credit to Nicolas Jackson. He’s doing really well, mentally as well to accept the criticism and do something about it.
“Some kids might listen to that and just get into their shower and just fall straight away, but he has taken it onboard and he’s doing something about it.
“He’s improving, he’s scoring goals, he’s playing well, his linkup play is much better. He’s absolutely amazing and the more he keeps doing this, the team keeps winning and he’s scoring goals, that’s all we need.”
Jackson will now aim to continue his impressive form and surpass his 17-goal tally, which he achieved the previous season.
