Enzo Maresca addresses Nicolas Jackson's battle with Christopher Nkunku for Chelsea starting role

Enzo Maresca has lavished Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson with praise following his excellent start to the season.

The Senegalese international has scored five goals and provided three assists in eight Premier League games so far, his latest strike coming in the 2-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield last Sunday and seems set to return to the starting lineup for Sunday’s clash with Newcastle.

Jackson received criticism at times last season, but Maresca is extremely happy with his form.

Speaking ahead of his side’s game at home to Newcastle, the Chelsea boss said: "We know very well that he is important for us. On the ball he is working fantastic - he's scoring goals, he's assisting, he's linking with his team-mates; off the ball he is working hard, he's pressing the way we want to press and he's doing fantastic with us.”

Jackson’s performances have meant Christopher Nkunku has mostly been restricted to a bench role in the league, although he has scored eight goals across all competitions, making him the club’s top scorer to date this season.

However, Maresca believes the French forward will get plenty of game time, with his side battling on four differerent fronts.

"We also have Christopher [Nkunku] there. He's going to help us because the season is very long. We have so many games and also sometimes the game plan can be different, it can be more for Christopher than Nico. We also have young talent so we can choose."

Nkunku got his latest goal in Chelsea’s 4-1 win away to Panathinaikos in the Conference League on Thursday night, but could drop out of the lineup for Jackson as the Blues look to get back to winning ways in the league at St. James’ Park.