Former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has addressed his recent criticism of Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, pinpointing one key area where the young forward needs improvement to reach his full potential.
While Mikel acknowledged Jackson’s talent and contributions to the team, he emphasized that the striker’s finishing is the main weakness in his game. Speaking on BEIN Sports, Mikel praised Jackson’s positioning and work ethic but stressed that his goal-scoring ability needs refining.
“I’ve always said what I’ve said about Nicolas Jackson. He is a good player, and I’ve never doubted that,” Mikel stated. “The only criticism I have is that his finishing must be much better. In terms of being in the right place and working for the team, he does a good job.”
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This isn’t the first time Mikel has commented on Jackson’s playing style. Earlier this season, Mikel suggested that Chelsea might benefit from bringing in a striker like Victor Osimhen, further fueling discussions about Jackson’s development.
In response, Jackson scored in Chelsea’s 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton and indirectly addressed Mikel on social media, telling him to “shut up,” which drew widespread media attention.
Despite the controversy, Jackson remains a promising talent for Chelsea, but Mikel believes that improving his finishing could elevate him to the next level.
