Kane playing leader for Jackson, says Kompany
Vincent Kompany believes Nicolas Jackson has benefited from training alongside Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, whom he described as an absolute leader ahead of their next match in the Bundesliga against Mainz.
Jackson joined the defending Bundesliga champion on loan from Chelsea during the summer, but has been primarily used as a back-up option for Kane.
The 24-year-old has scored three goals in 11 Bundesliga games this season, while also directly contributing to four goals in five UEFA Champions League matches - two goals and two assists.
Bayern faces Mainz on Monday (AEDT) in what will be Jackson’s final game for the club before he joins the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Kompany has been pleased with Jackson’s progression so far at Bayern, which he partially credits to Kane.
“I'm very positive about Nicolas Jackson. He has helped us a lot, his goal-per-minute ratio is good,” said Kompany.
“Of course there's competition up front in Harry Kane, but that's just part of it. For me as a coach, it's a privilege to see how Nicolas copes with it.
“What many people don't see is what Nicolas does in training and every time he comes on. I wanted to field him against Sporting, but then Lenny [Lennart Karl] scored and my plan was completely different. I hope he'll make the most of his moments again and again.
“Harry's consistency is very impressive. Harry and Nicolas have a very good relationship in training. They always work on their finishes together.
“Nicolas keeps making progress because he trains with Harry. You can tell he feels at ease in Munich, with his family and in this team. We have an absolute leader in Harry.”
It will be first against last on Monday (AEDT), with Mainz winning just six points from its first 13 games of the season to leave it bottom of the table.
It has won just once in the league this season, with new boss Urs Fischer set to take charge of his first Bundesliga game with the club against Bayern.
