Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson claims that the absence of Nicolas Jackson is causing Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer a lot of problems.

The 22-year-old has struggled for form over the last month, having last found the back of the net in the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Merson believes the lack of an out-and-out forward ahead of him is stifling his game:

“They [Chelsea] miss Jackson. Palmer makes Jackson and Jackson makes Palmer. People will go don’t be silly – Palmer’s an unbelievable player but you’re only as good as the players you’re playing in front of you.”

“He’s got no movement so what happens is if Jackson doesn’t make those runs, he’s a willing player who stretches the game then Palmer comes in and gets the ball. Now Nkunku comes short, Palmer comes short and everything just closes up.”

Palmer and Nkunku play in the same spaces

Despite Christopher Nkunku ostensibly playing as a No.9, his natural instinct is to drop into deeper positions. Considering that is where Palmer also likes to play, it is easy for opposition defences to nullify both of them.

As they know neither Nkunku nor Palmer will run in behind, they can crowd the middle of the pitch and stop them from getting any space.

Chelsea can still find an upgrade up front

Merson is not necessarily saying that head coach Enzo Maresca must stick with Nicolas Jackson but, if the Blues are to sign a new striker this summer, it needs to be someone who possesses similar traits – someone who can lead the line, make runs in behind and (most importantly) complement Palmer.

At the moment, Nkunku is stepping on the toes of the club’s best player and the whole team is worse off because of it.

Read our exclusive interview with Shaun Wright-Phillips as he discusses Christopher Nkunku’s future and assesses Pedro Neto’s start to life at Chelsea