Chelsea 4-3 Brighton: Mauricio Pochettino praises Nicholas Jackson after his pre-season win

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By Alex Howell, BBC Sport in Philadelphia

33 minutes ago

Image source, Getty Images

photo caption,

Nicola Jackson (left) and Conor Gallagher both scored as Chelsea beat Brighton

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino says new striker Nicholas Jackson will need “time to adapt” to the Premier League after an impressive performance in their pre-season victory over Brighton.

The 22-year-old scored once and grabbed two assists as the Blues came from behind to beat Brighton 4-3.

“This kind of game is important for him to feel what it’s like to play in the Premier League,” said Pochettino.

Christopher Nkunku canceled out Danny Welbeck’s early goal for Brighton in Philadelphia, before Chelsea scored three goals in 11 minutes from Mykhailo Modric, Connor Gallagher and Jackson.

Brighton defender Jan Paul van Heck was sent off for a second bookable offense in the 60th minute, but the ten men rallied.

A Joao Pedro penalty and an 89th-minute strike from Deniz Ondav ensured Brighton pushed the Blues to the limit.

Jackson scored 13 goals in 38 matches for Villarreal last season, including nine in his last eight league matches.

He scored an assist against Wrexham in Chelsea’s first match of their tour of the USA.

“I think when Chelsea sign a player like him it’s because they discovered something important in quality and talent,” said Pochettino.

“He’s a great talent, and he needs time to adapt to his new club, the Premier League.

“He’s young too, we need to help him develop, develop and be an important player for Chelsea.”

Nkunku, who joined the Blues from RB Leipzig for £52m last month, has now scored in both of their pre-season games.

Asked if Nkunku and Jackson, who rotated in the ninth round, could start together, Pochettino said: “Certainly, in the next few matches we will get to the possibility of playing together.

“The conditions of the physical condition mean we need to use both to share the minutes.”

A fresh start for Modric?

Mudryk has struggled to hold down a starting place since arriving at Stamford Bridge for £89m in January.

The striker joined Ukraine at the European Under-21 Championship in a bid to regain some form and was rewarded with his first goal for Chelsea.

He volleyed a shot from the edge of the area after exchanging passes with Jackson, and looked like an attacking threat all night with his speed.

“The attacking players need to score and gain confidence,” said Pochettino.

“It’s always important to score goals. I think today with a little more ability to stay calm, maybe we can create more chances and score more.

“We need faith and confidence in the process to get to the first Premier League game in top condition.”

Colwell could be the best in England

Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi has spoken of his desire to sign Chelsea defender Levi Colwell permanently after the English player spent last season on loan at Seagulls.

Pochettino said afterwards that Colwell was “our player” and would continue with the Blues.

“He performed well today, better than I expected because it is only the first match with us after the season with Brighton,” the Argentine added.

“I’m so happy, he can be one of the greatest midfielders in England.”

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