Daniel Sturridge says the media have been wrongully critical of £31m Chelsea player after Liverpool loss

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Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Enzo Maresca’s side dominated possession but never really found a way through Liverpool’s stubborn backline.

Ultimately, the hosts’ maturity got them over the line but Chelsea can certainly leave with plenty of positives.

And, Daniel Sturridge was quick to praise one player in particular who hasn’t always felt the love from the media.

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Daniel Sturridge says Nicolas Jackson has been wrongfully criticised by the media

Speaking on Sky Sports, Daniel Sturridge hailed Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson and claimed that the media have been too harsh on him.

“Nicolas Jackson is pivotal to the system,” Sturridge said.

“He’s good at going into the false nine position. It was a fantastic finish, calm in front of goal.

“I am analysing him on open play. I’m not analysing him on statistics, I don’t think he’s devastating in front of goal, but I think he has what it takes to get there.

“When you’re playing in the spotlight at any top club you are judged because of likes of Drogba, Anelka and Crespo – you’re judging him compared to those world-class strikers.

“I think we have been a bit too critical.”

Jackson link-up play is better than Erling Haaland’s

Jackson’s underlying statistics make for very impressive reading indeed and amplify just how important he is to Chelsea’s system.

In fact, compared to Erling Haaland – who is the earmark of a great striker – they are far superior, which shows if he can just improve on his finishing, he’ll be one of the best in the Premier League.