Nicolas Jackson just can’t stop scoring for Chelsea after his side’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
This has been a bit of a rollercoaster campaign for Chelsea and their marmite-like forward who netted the winner at the City Ground.
The under-fire Mauricio Pochettino went into the match knowing three points would increase their chances of finishing sixth and securing a Europa League spot, especially after Newcastle United drew 1-1 against Brighton.
Not only has Nicolas Jackson scored in three Premier League games on the bounce for Chelsea, but he now also has 14 for the campaign – and counting.
To think that the 22-year-old could score 15+ by the time the season finishes is pretty incredible given how much he has been criticised and the injuries to many of his teammates.
Alan Shearer thinks Jackson has ‘big potential’ and he is ‘really intelligent’ at running in behind the opposition’s defence, as he told Match of the Day.
The Premier League’s all-time leading scorer added that Jackson needs to improve on certain aspects of his game, from his final pass and how he holds up the ball.
But Shearer did make it clear that what has been ‘unfair’ on the player is the fact that he needed to be rotated at times this season, but Pochettino couldn’t, simply because he didn’t have the numbers to do so.
Nicolas Jackson scores late winner at Nottingham Forest
“There is no doubt about it,” said Shearer about Jackson’s progress. “Today’s performance summed up his season. There were really good bits and some poor bits.
“He is definitely raw. But there is big potential there. He’s very good at that. Running with the ball. His runs in-behind are really intelligent. But little things like this. Knowing when and how to pass that ball. Sometimes the easiest ones are the most difficult ones to do – it’s that final thing he needs to brush up on. He’s clever at that (running in behind).
“This is another thing he has to improve on and brush up on. The ball should stick to him here. He can’t bounce off him as it does – another clever run (in behind). He’s quick, he is difficult to stop – and if you keep on going, going and going, then you get your rewards. A brilliant ball in from Reece James and a clever header. He’s 22 years old, 29 starts, and 14 goals and I think that is a decent return. It has been a little unfair on him, at times because he needed to be left out, but he couldn’t because of a lack of numbers in that squad. He will learn, he will get better and they will bring someone in, I am sure. They do need another number nine because he’s not ready to be a regular there – But another number 9 in there and a big name he can work alongside and work with, he will get better, I am sure of it.”
Nicolas Jackson is winning over Chelsea fans
When you are playing in the heat of the Chelsea playground, then everything and anything is going to get scrutinised to the limit and beyond.
Jackson has had a lot of verbal pelters come his way, but the most important thing is that he is coming through all of it and now winning over his fans.
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Chelsea might still bring in that striker next season. Sources have told HITC that Chelsea remain keen on Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen.
If he does come in, it will boost and further enhance the squad, no doubt. But Jackson shouldn’t be forgotten about.
He has started all these matches, suffered, performed poorly, and put in some outstanding performances, but most importantly, progressed, so it would be stupid to cast him aside next season.
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