'Not just me' - Obi Mikel admits Chelsea striker Jackson has shut everybody up with recent displays

Nigeria legend John Obi Mikel has admitted that he's delighted to see Senegal international Nicolas Jackson doing so well at Chelsea, following the striker's impressive displays in recent games.

Last month, Nicolas Jackson was heavily criticized by Mikel for his lack of accuracy in front of goal after Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in their Premier League opener.

Mikel emphasized that The Blues needed a marquee center forward, similar to Manchester City's prolific striker Erling Haaland, who can consistently score goals.

After scoring and providing an assist in Chelsea's 6-2 drubbing of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jackson responded to Mikel on social media, urging him to shut his mouth and stop making negative comments about African players.

Chelsea's new boss Enzo Maresca has kept faith with Jackson, naming him in the starting lineup for each of the five matches contested in the Premier League this term. 

And the former Villarreal man has justified his inclusion in the starting lineup with six goal involvements so far this season, including three in his most recent outing at West Ham United. 

In the latest edition of The Obi One Podcast, Mikel was forced to eat his words after previously writing off Jackson, saying the Chelsea number 15 was fantastic in the win against the Hammers.

Mikel 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 is part of Chelsea's long-term plans, having recently signed a new deal that will keep him at Stamford Bridge until June 30, 2033.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

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