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Gary Neville has named the one signing Chelsea need to become genuine Premier League title challengers after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Nicolas Jackson got on the scoresheet for the Blues at Anfield – but it was not enough as Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones secured victory for the Reds.
Despite the result, Chelsea have enjoyed a positive start to the season under head coach Enzo Maresca after a long period of instability.
Neville, though, is convinced that the west Londoners need to recruit a brand new striker if they are to start fighting for the Premier League trophy again.
‘I think we know their deficiencies,’ Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast. ‘I don’t want to call out Nicolas Jackson, because I think he can be part of a very successful squad that can do well for Chelsea.
‘I just think if he had a world-class striker in front of him – and he was the second striker – that would probably be more aligned with a team who can go on and potentially win a title in a few years time and catch Liverpool up.’
Fellow football pundit Daniel Sturridge, meanwhile, believes the media have been ‘too critical’ of Jackson, who has conjured up five goals and three assists across eight Premier League games so far this term.
‘Nicolas Jackson is pivotal to the system,’ Sturridge told Sky Sports. ‘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.’
Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda believes his old club could challenge for the Premier League title if they signed long-term target Victor Osimhen.
‘Chelsea should be competing for the world’s best players,’ he said. ‘Osimhen is in that category.
‘You want to see the club add more quality to its team because that is what every ambitious club does, and his addition would bring Chelsea a step closer to the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.’
MORE : Enzo Maresca names Chelsea duo who made him ‘afraid’ in defeat to Liverpool
MORE : Curtis Jones has proven Liverpool do not need Martin Zubimendi in January, says Jamie Carragher
MORE : Arne Slot praises Curtis Jones for ‘controlling’ Chelsea star Cole Palmer in Liverpool victory
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