LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

BBC pundit cannot believe how often £32m Chelsea player gave the ball away vs Leeds

Add as preferred source on Google

Glenn Murray was critical of Nicolas Jackson during the FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Leeds tonight.

The 40-year-old made the comments when covering the FA Cup fifth round clash for BBC Radio 5 Live.

So, what did Glenn Murray say about Chelsea No.15 Nicolas Jackson? Let’s take a look…

Glenn Murray criticises Nicolas Jackson

Well, the man from Maryport could not believe how often the Senegal international lost possession during the 3-2 win over Leeds.

Murray said: “Too many times the ball goes to Nicolas Jackson and he give it away too easily. It breaks down way too often when the ball is in possession of the Chelsea striker.”

Chelsea v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

It was the £32m man who made it 1-1 to get Chelsea back in the game, after Mateo Joseph had put Leeds 1-0 ahead, although the Senegalese striker did not have the best game in truth, as the statistics prove.

Nicolas Jackson must retain possession better for Chelsea

Firstly, Murray is spot on – Jackson lost possession 17 times against Leeds, as shown by SofaScore.

Ball retention aside, the 22-year-old had a fairly quiet game overall against Championship opposition in Leeds at Stamford Bridge.

Jackson won just two of his attempted 13 ground duels, while also failing to make a single key pass or a cross.

Furthermore, the Djibonker-born forward completed just one successful dribble.

Chelsea v Leeds United - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

Of course, Jackson did his main job and put the ball in the net tonight, but against tougher opposition, his all round game will undoubtedly have to improve.

Chelsea already seem to have some doubts over the striker’s ability to be the outright No.9 in west London, with those on the recruitment team at Stamford Bridge apparently keen to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli this summer.

Therefore, the second half of the 2023/24 campaign holds plenty of importance for Jackson.