NICOLAS JACKSON has been delivering the goods on the pitch for Chelsea and is now doing the same off it for his old neighbours back in Africa.
The big-hearted striker paid for several truckloads of food to be sent to his hometown of Ziguinchor in Senegal and Banjul in Gambia where he was born and still has family.
It included rice, onions, potatoes and sugar – plus pens and books for local kids.
Jackson’s heartwarming gesture took place during the summer and it is not the only thing he does to help out the folks back home.
At previous club Villarreal in Spain, he pestered team-mates to give him old boots and kit.
He then paid for it all to be flown back to Senegal and distributed among children to help promote sport.
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A Blues source told SunSport: “Nico feels a really strong connection with his roots and he wants to give back as much as possible to support people in the places where he was born and raised.”
Jackson recently signed a two-year extension to his contract at Chelsea which now ties him to the club until 2033 – the longest deal in Premier League history.
He also has four goals this season – two of them coming last weekend in a 3-0 win at London rivals West Ham.
After bagging his double, Jackson then set up Cole Palmer as the duo continued their unstoppable partnership.
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Since the start of the 2023/24 season, they have combined for ten Premier League goals.
It makes them the most deadly pair in the division, two ahead of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailley in second place.
Chelsea player ratings vs Barrow
JOAO FELIX and Christopher Nkunku stole the show as Chelsea thrashed Barrow in the Carabao Cup.
A hat-trick from Nkunku along with goals from Felix and Pedro Neto secured a 5-0 third round win at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s how the starting XI rated…
Filip Jorgensen – 6
Looked shaky as Barrow launched a string of early throw-ins into the box. Forced into a smart stop down to his right at the start of the second half but otherwise untroubled.
Malo Gusto – 7
Lack of threat from visitors allowed him freedom of the right flank and the full-back regularly posed a threat as he linked up with Neto.
Axel Disasi – 6
Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties throughout in solid partnership with Benoit Badiashile.
Benoit Badiashile – 6
Barely troubled by Barrow forward Emile Acquah. Assured in possession and showed his passing range by switching play to his wingers when available.
Renato Veiga – 6
Looked a class above when stepping into midfield when Chelsea were in possession but far from convincing in defence. Gave away several needless free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Cesare Casadei – 7
Shaky at first on his maiden Chelsea touch before growing into the game in the centre of the park.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 7
Afforded plenty of time and space on the ball for much of the game and even came close to a goal of his own.
Pedro Neto – 7
Link-up play with Malo Gusto was a constant threat down the right. Finished off a flowing team move for his first Chelsea goal.
Joao Felix – 8
Unlocked the Barrow defence with a beautiful scooped pass to set up Nkunku’s opener. Followed it up with a perfectly placed free-kick off the post to put his side 3-0 up before half-time.
Mykhailo Mudryk – 7
Gave Chelsea an outlet with his pace down the left, showed to perfection as he raced away before squaring for Neto to score moments into the second half.
Christopher Nkunku – 9
Showed his clinical edge in front of goal by grabbing a hat-trick with three well-taken strikes inside the penalty area, including an exquisite back-heeled flick into the corner.
Subs
Ben Chilwell (45’ for Gusto) – 6
Given a rapturous reception on his return from the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’. Tightened up the left-hand side for the Blues, with Veiga moving to central defence.
Tyrique George (63’ for Neto) – 6
Dragged a brilliant chance to score his first Chelsea goal wide of the post. Later denied by Farman as he showed promise down the right.
Josh Acheampong (63’ for Disasi) – 6
Slotted into the back four with ease and executed his defensive duties on his second senior appearance.
Marc Guiu (76′ for Nkunku) – 6
Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Barrow defence late on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (76′ for Felix) – 6
Quickly imposed himself on the action with several powerful runs through midfield to drive the hosts forward.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
