Mauricio Pochettino has defended Nicolas Jackson, amid the criticism that has trailed the striker’s performances for Chelsea’s this season.

Jackson has scored eight goals for the Blues across all competitions, but he has missed way more.

Pochettino however believes that the 22-year-old carries a lot of potential, and will come good soon.

“He was really good,” said the Chelsea manager after the win at Luton. “He missed the chance to score but the way he worked for the team, ran and pressed, everything was amazing.

“I think we are putting too much focus on him. We need to give him time, believe in him, and it was really nice that the fans, in the moment he missed the chance, were very supportive. I appreciate the fans that support him and the team.

“Jackson has scored goals this season, and if we look at attacking players in the past who arrived in England from a different club, they have not always performed in their first season.

“But after a few months, some want Jackson to score goals like (Didier) Drogba or (Jimmy Floyd) Hasselbaink – or someone like Diego Costa, who came to Chelsea with different experience.

“You need to see the background of the player. He is young, came from Spain having not played too much, and is a very good prospect with amazing potential. Only with time will he be more relaxed and calm.

“But we’re at Chelsea, it’s not the same as playing at a different club. The pressure when you touch the ball…it’s to do something fantastic. But little by little we are going to be more consistent, grow, and be more mature.”