What Nicolas Jackson did after being taken off against Liverpool speaks volumes of Chelsea star

After 72 minutes, Chelsea were comfortably ahead with a 2-0 lead against Liverpool and went on to secure a 3-1 victory over the newly crowned Premier League champions. However, Nicolas Jackson's departure from the pitch raised eyebrows as he appeared angered by Enzo Maresca's decision to substitute him for Jadon Sancho.

Jackson was visibly upset with Maresca's choice to take him off for the game's remainder, showing his frustration as he took his place on the bench and repeatedly questioned: "Why?" Maresca decided to proceed through the final 20 minutes without a traditional striker, shifting Pedro Neto to a central role, until Cole Palmer sealed the win with a penalty in stoppage time.

While some might view Jackson's reaction negatively, it's clear that the Senegalese forward's eagerness to stay on the field and increase his goal count is indicative of a top-tier striker's mentality. Strikers are known for their self-interest, and after scoring a quickfire double in Chelsea's 4-1 UEFA Conference League semi-final triumph over Djurgarden within six minutes, Jackson was keen to challenge a vulnerable Liverpool backline once more.

Returning to form following a hamstring injury and being the sole available senior striker due to Christopher Nkunku's absence, Maresca would undoubtedly appreciate his forwards' hunger for game time, reports the Express. Despite a frustrating afternoon for the 23-yearyold, which included being caught offside four times—tying a season record—he demonstrated his determination to exploit spaces behind defenders Virgil van Dijk and Jarrell Quansah.

Maresca is skilfully maintaining his forward's ambition, particularly as Chelsea chase Champions League qualification through a top-five finish this season. Jackson's current form suggests he's ready to boost his goal count.

"Nico scored against Everton and it's all about confidence," Maresca remarked following the team's European victory in Sweden. "You see now that he looks like a different player from weeks ago. Hopefully the same thing is going to happen with Cole [Palmer]. It's just a matter of breaking that moment and going again.

"The game against Legia Warsaw at home we started with Nicolas and Cole from the beginning and both struggled. Now you can see Nico looks a different player, because he scored against Everton. Now he has the confidence again and we know how good Nico is for us. It is the same thing with Cole and hopefully we can also have him scoring goals and getting assists very soon."

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