Maresca backs Jackson as Chelsea’s top striker amid Nkunku’s success

Enzo Maresca has publicly endorsed Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea's primary striker, despite the recent success of Christopher Nkunku, who scored the winning goal against Bournemouth. Jackson has been a consistent starter in all four matches since Maresca took over, and he recently extended his contract with the club until 2033. Last season, he netted 17 goals, although he missed several key opportunities. Maresca expressed confidence in Jackson's work ethic and performance both on and off the ball. Nkunku, who joined Chelsea for £52 million from RB Leipzig, has faced challenges due to a serious knee injury that affected his debut season. Under Maresca, he has made six appearances and scored three goals, indicating his potential to contribute significantly to the team. Maresca reassured fans that Nkunku will have opportunities to shine, emphasizing the depth of the squad with two players available for each attacking position. Maresca's tenure at Chelsea has been marked by a challenging transition, including a difficult pre-season and a tumultuous transfer window. Despite these hurdles, he has managed to guide the team to a promising start, with only one league defeat against Manchester City and a successful qualification for the UEFA Conference League group stages. He noted that the players have been receptive to his coaching methods, which has contributed to their progress. Overall, Maresca's faith in Jackson as the leading striker reflects his strategy to build a cohesive team while navigating the complexities of a large squad. The positive developments on the pitch suggest that Chelsea is moving in the right direction under his leadership.