Gary Neville didn't hold back in his assessment of Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, branding the striker's performance as a complete 'car crash' during the Blues' tense FA Cup victory against Leeds United.
The Manchester United icon and Sky Sports pundit was left utterly unimpressed by the Senegalese international's brief appearance off the bench at Stamford Bridge. Despite Chelsea securing their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 win, Jackson's contribution became the main talking point thanks to Neville's brutal commentary.
Neville's Scathing On-Air Critique
As Jackson entered the pitch, Neville immediately questioned the forward's impact, stating his performance was 'like a car crash you can't take your eyes off.' The criticism didn't stop there, with Neville adding that watching Jackson play was both 'fascinating and horrifying' in equal measure.
The former England defender highlighted Jackson's questionable decision-making throughout his cameo, particularly noting occasions when the Chelsea number 15 opted to take on ambitious shots instead of playing simple passes to better-positioned teammates.
Pressure Mounts on Chelsea's Record Signing
Jackson's arrival at Chelsea last summer came with significant expectation following his £32 million move from Villarreal. While the 22-year-old has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistent finishing and occasional lapses in judgement have frustrated sections of the Chelsea support.
Neville's comments will undoubtedly increase the scrutiny on the young striker, especially with Chelsea's season hanging in the balance as they continue to push for European qualification while competing in domestic cup competitions.
Social Media Reacts to Neville's Assessment
Football fans on social media were divided in their response to Neville's harsh assessment. Some Chelsea supporters defended their player, suggesting the criticism was overly harsh for a substitute appearance. Others agreed with Neville's analysis, pointing to Jackson's underwhelming return of just seven Premier League goals this season.
The debate continues to rage about whether Jackson needs more time to adapt to English football or if Chelsea may need to consider alternative options in the striking department during the summer transfer window.
