The Senegalese international has had mixed opinions from fans since his arrival and with Chelsea struggling to hit some consistent form, does that also reflect his form?
Nicolas Jackson, 22, joined the Blues last summer for a fee just shy of £32 million. The switch from Laliga to the Premeir League has been quite two-edged in recent times with players such as Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas contributing massively to the club during their time and high-budget "flops" including Kepa Arrizabalaga and Alvaro Morata. Hopefully Jackson can join the club of the formers and shape a great reputation in blue.
After scoring 12 goals in 35 appearences for Villarreal CF during his two seasons at the club, he decided to transition to the premier league. A potential move to AFC Bournmouth in January 2023 collapsed due to a failed medical, but hints about the players ambition to play in the Premier League were noticeable. With many Chelsea fans not knowing a great deal about the striker, it was to many a surprise signing. Amongst the other attackers brought in last summer including Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer, Jackson slipt under the radar for most people as he was not as prominent as the other big signings.
A lively, hardworking and witty striker with the adaptibility to play in one of the wide attacking roles is a great asset for Pochettino and his side. With Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke struggling with consistent form, perhaps a result of their inexperience, could we see Pochettino mould Nicolas Jackson into a competitive winger? Utilsiing his pace and his agressive in behind runs could also limit the faux pas in front of goal.
An area in which the Senegalese can improve is his potency in the box. Scoring 11 goals in 23 appearenecs is not intolerable for a young attacker in their first season but if Chelsea want to reach their heights from the past, then a more prolific striker is a must for Todd Boehley and Co.
Jackson shared his honest judgement of his season so far after Chelsea's trip to the Gtech on Saturday,
"It's not enough because i have missed a lot. For me, I should have a lot more but every game I try to make the team win and help my team-mates."
Albeit, Chelsea are currently within a subjective crisis so missing chances and patchy form are a by-product of the teams confidence or lack of. Nicolas Jackson has a huge potential ceiling to reach and partnered with an adequate coaching team (Mauricio Pochettino and Jesus Perez) future performances could blossom anew.
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