Paul Merson says Nicolas Jackson has ‘surprised’ him in pre-season for Chelsea after Tottenham Hotspur missed out on his transfer this summer.
Chelsea signed the 22-year-old from Villarreal on an eight-year deal – and they seemingly beat their London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, to his signature.
And after watching Nicolas Jackson in pre-season, Merson likes what he sees from the versatile forward and he added that he is ‘very lively’ and he is someone that will ‘surprise’ in the Premier League this forthcoming campaign, as he told Sportskeeda.
It seems as though Jackson had a £30.1 million release clause in his contract, but Chelsea paid ‘slightly more’ than that, as reported by Sky Sports.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham had many issues last season, which deservedly saw them miss out on a European finish.
Now, the duo will be hoping to make a return to the big time and Merson likes the look of Chelsea’s new boy in the forward areas.
“Nicolas Jackson looks like a great player,” said Merson. “He’s very lively and direct, and he doesn’t mess about.
“He can score a goal and make a goal as well. He’s linked up very well with Mudryk so far, and both of them have been very impressive in pre-season.
“I’ve been very surprised with Nicolas Jackson so far. I know it’s only pre-season, but what I’ve seen has been ample. He’s a handful, and I’d definitely say that he’s going to surprise people this season.”
Who will finish higher – Chelsea or Tottenham?
The interesting component here is Harry Kane and whether or not the England captain leaves his club.
If Spurs lose their 30-goal striker, then it will put the club in a potentially worrying situation and you would expect Chelsea to come out on top.
But if he stays put, then there is every chance that Kane can fire his team to ensure his former manager Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t have the best of first campaigns as Chelsea manager.
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