Nicolas Jackson names “top quality” team-mate he’s “very happy” for after Djurgarden win | OneFootball

Nicolas Jackson has labelled Reggie Walsh as a “top quality” player after the youngster made his debut in the Conference League on Thursday night.

Chelsea all but sealed their passage to the final with a 4-1 win away at Djurgarden in the first leg of their semi final.

Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke scored in the first half, whilst Jackson scored twice in the second half, making it three goals in his last two games.

Jackson impressed by Walsh

It was a good display by Chelsea and gives them the chance to rest players for the second leg next week before a crucial game away at Newcastle.

There were a number of positives on the night, but one of the highlights was 16-year-old Walsh making his debut.

With 88 minutes on the clock and the game done, Enzo Maresca put the teenager on, and he almost scored with his first touch.

Walsh is just 16 years old. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images)

Walsh has been a regular with the under-18s this season, but to make his debut in a European semi final at 16 is some feat, and he became the youngest Chelsea player since 1967.

Jackson shared his thoughts on the midfielder after the game and admitted he was very happy to see Walsh make his debut.

“Yeah, he’s a very good player, top quality,” he told TNT Sports as cited on X.com.

“For sure he’s going to go far. He has a lot of quality. I’m very happy for him to make his debut. I hope for more to come for him.”

Maresca not afraid to use the academy

Maresca deserves credit for handing Walsh his debut and he easily could have thrown on an older more established player.

The Italian described the teenager as perfect for his system, and there could well be a chance he sees further minutes in the second leg.

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Whilst Chelsea obviously don’t want to be in the Conference League, it’s been a great opportunity to hand a number of youngsters their debuts as well as giving some more minutes.

Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George, Walsh, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Genesis Antwi are just some of the players Maresca has handed debuts to or given minutes to this season.