Ex-Chelsea ace stands up for 23-year-old amid criticism from former Blue

Today at 03:25 AM

Former Chelsea star Michael Essien has defended Nicolas Jackson for his angry response to criticism from John Obi Mikel.

Jackson arrived at Chelsea last summer from Spanish side Villarreal in a deal worth £32m and impressed in his debut campaign at the club.

The 23-year-old scored 17 goals in all competitions with 14 of those coming in the Premier League and also impressed with his all round play.

Essien defends Jackson over Mikel response

Jackson is still raw and has a lot of developing to do, but if he can improve his finishing then there's a 20 goals per season striker there given the amount of chances he missed during the last campaign.

The Senegal international was rewarded for his efforts last season with a new two year contract extension which ties him down at the club until 2033.

Jackson is once again set to be Chelsea's first choice striker this season and has made a good start to the campaign with two goals and an assist in the first four games.

However, not everyone has been happy with Jackson and former player Mikel openly criticised the striker following the defeat to Manchester City on the opening day.

After the 6-2 win against Wolves in which Jackson scored and assisted he fired back on Instagram and tagged Mikel in a message which said: "Shut your mouth, don't talk sh*t, we are killing ourself for Africa."

The response certainly divided opinion, but former Chelsea ace Essien believes Jackson was hurt because the criticism came from an ex-player.

"We all have our personalities, some will say it, but for me, I will just ignore it," Essien told Joy Sports.

"Everyone has an opinion, but I think it's not personal. However, when the criticism comes from ex-players, it hurts the players even more, and then they react."

Jackson will be hoping to add his to goal tally when Chelsea travel to West Ham for the London derby on Saturday lunchtime.