He is the one we need —  Maresca discourages Osimhen signing, names perfect striker for Chelsea

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca (Credit: Imago)

He is the one we need — Maresca discourages Osimhen signing, names perfect striker for Chelsea

Faruq Ibrahim 17:38 - 11.04.2025

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca named the perfect striker for Chelsea's system.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca doubled down, maintaining that he remains satisfied with Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea's main striker, tagging the Senegalese as the best option for the Blues in that position. 

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What he said 

Jackson has faced his fair share of criticism for his profligacy; however, during his injury stint, his qualities were sorely missed. His return has seen a fresh injection of energy into the Chelsea attack and in a recent interview, Maresca praised the former Villarreal man. 

“My perfect number nine is exactly Nico Jackson. We already have a number nine,” Jackson said.

“It's not summer now. If we can have a copy of Nico, it's OK. I have said many times, and you can see as well, with Nico we are a better team. Nico is the one we need.”

Enzo Maresca and Nicolas Jackson
Maresca and Jackson Enzo Maresca with Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson (Credit: Imago)

The criticisms against Jackson 

The 23-year-old joined the club last summer, and despite Chelsea's chance-creating prowess, he only managed 14 goals in 35 league games. 

This led many analysts, including Super Eagles legend Mikel Obi, to implore the club to sign a more experienced striker that guaranteed goals. 

Chelsea insisted on Jackson, and his numbers have not improved this season. He has scored nine goals in 25 games and the calls for a new striker have not ceased, but Maresca remains steadfast in his trust.

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