Maresca’s comments about Jackson show why another Blue could be in trouble | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca was given the opportunity to praise his striker Nicolas Jackson in today’s press conference, and he grabbed it with both hands.

“Very happy. First of all, Nico is helping with us not only in terms of numbers but also in the way we want to play; the way he links with his teammates,” Maresca explained when asked to comment on his first choice striker’s form.

“The way he drops, he gives us an extra man. When he attacks in behind, he is quick and can score goals. We are trying to work with him in different areas.”

As always with Jackson, there’s the tantalising hint of even more potential being unlocked. Maresca and his staff have done well with individual coaching, and we’re excited to see what more they can get out of the Senegal star. But Jackson’s strong form has a consequence for others in the team.

Christopher Nkunku runs with the ball for France. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Nkunku struggling for a natural role in Maresca’s setup – backing up Jackson is a bad fit

Christopher Nkunku is a brilliant player, but you can see why things aren’t quite working out for him as our B team striker. It was so evident in Wednesday night’s game. His qualities are so different to Jackson’s, and he doesn’t really work as a fill in – not against decent opposition.

One can see why the sporting directors chased players like Samu Omorodion in the summer, players who could provide an alternative closer to what Jackson offers. We expect more interest in January and next summer in players with a similar profile.

Where that leaves Nkunku is another question. We can’t see him sticking around for long if he still hasn’t found a natural place in our first team by the end of this season.