Nicolas Jackson – The surprising answer to Chelsea’s striking curse?

June 17, 2023May 7, 2024 CBW Scouting

Nicolas Jackson finished with 9 goals in his last 8 appearances in the 22/23 La Liga season for Villareal. This run of form took him to a total of 12 goals and 4 assists in 26 appearances, 19 of those coming as a starter.

What I greatly admire about Jackson’s game is his ability to drop deep, carry the ball and link the play. Combining this with his willingness to run the channels and generally be a facilitator as well as a finisher, these attributes mean it will also bode well for the rest of Chelsea’s attackers.

Jackson is in the Ivan Toney mold of a centre forward, in my opinion. The senegalese is technically proficient, and his first touch tends to be controlled and measured which allows him to get on the ball and drive at defenders. Jackson’s isolation plays on the wing seem polished – He’ll size you up like a winger, and create separation with his agility and ability to shift his body quickly.

Furthermore, he also uses his body well to evade pressure and relies on his athleticism and pace to allow him to burst away from defenders – reminiscent of a Leao/Isak type, out on that left-hand side in particular. I’m also a big fan of the fact Jackson is not shy about using his weaker foot – whether that be making a pass, or having a strike on goal. I’m a firm believer that every professional should be comfortable on their weaker side, however, some are still not, which hinders their game (unless your name is Lionel Messi.)

The 21-year-old is an energetic and willing presser from the front too, which alone, can lead to big chances created high up the pitch. He also tracks back well and can recover the ball effectively in deeper areas, which will spring counterattacks.

I believe Jackson is also good in tight spaces due to his neat and tidy footwork, coupled with his ability to retain the ball. Nicolas Jackson’s 6 foot1 frame allows him to be a focal point and hold the ball up while allowing others to play off him. This is one of the reasons why I see him forming a prosperous partnership with Nkunku if the Frenchman is playing as the number 10/second striker.

Nkunku excels playing off someone else centrally and I believe this dynamic can get the best out of both players. With Jackson dropping deep at times, this may draw opposition centre backs to him, vacating space in behind. This tendency in Jackson’s game is another reason as to why I believe his skillset will also benefit Chelsea’s other attackers like Sterling, Mudryk and Madueke, who all enjoy getting on the end of moves and poaching.

In addition to this, Jackson is also effective at playing off the shoulder of the centre back and has the clever movement and pace to cause problems in-behind. I can also see Enzo Fernandez seriously racking up some assists next season as a result of the aforementioned points.

Nicolas Jackson could do with some refinement on his aerial ability, but I don’t think it’s terrible or a deeply concerning issue. Strikers will always score more goals with their feet than their head. I love Jackson’s overall skillset and the potential to grow and improve further is huge. I’m a big believer of this transfer.

i also want to mention the mental aspect of this move. £30m is a very shrewd price all things considered, and at this price, the expectations are generally lower, meaning less pressure on the player.

However, if Osimhen was signed for close to £100m, people would immediately have high expectations and the pressure would undoubtedly be on as soon as he was unveiled as a Chelsea player. You already know the media would’ve had a field day with the constant Osimhen/Haaland comparisons. Hats off to the recruitment team/Pochettino for being decisive and getting this one done, I am a fan of it.