A lack of lethal goal-scorers is Chelsea’s problem, not Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, writes DYLAN JOHNSON.
Jackson possesses qualities that fit Chelsea’s style of play. His pace, pressing ability, and versatility make him a valuable asset for Enzo Maresca’s side. He has also contributed a respectable goal tally despite being in a team still finding its rhythm and a two-month spell on the sidelines due to injury.
His link-up play, especially his connection with Chelsea MVP Cole Palmer, adds another dimension to Chelsea’s attack. Jackson is also one of the best strikers at exploiting space behind defences, especially against a high line. His threat off the ball ranks amongst the Premier League’s best in terms of movement and positioning.
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He creates space for his teammates, offering passing options and one-on-one opportunities, and stretches defences extremely well. At 23, Jackson still has plenty of time to develop. Many top strikers, including Chelsea great like Didier Drogba, needed time to adapt to the Premier League before reaching their peak. Trusting Jackson could pay off in the long run, especially under the right coaching and with the team’s goal burden spread throughout the squad instead of lying solely on Jackson and Palmer.
However, valid concerns remain over Jackson’s performances. His finishing has been inconsistent, with several missed chances, a lack of composure, and poor decision-making emphasising how raw a talent Jackson is. While his movement is good, his decision-making in front of goal sometimes lets him down. Additionally, injuries have disrupted his season, raising questions about his reliability as a long-term solution.
Chelsea’s attack has lacked a consistent goal-scorer, and Jackson has yet to prove he can be the 20-goal-a-season striker the team desperately needs. If Chelsea want to compete for major honours, can they afford to wait for him to develop?
Christopher Nkunku, when fit, could be deployed as a central striker, but he is more effective as a second forward and has struggled for minutes since his arrival at Stamford Bridge due to ongoing injury issues. In the Bundesliga, Nkunku was a prolific forward, but he has fallen down the pecking order under Maresca, and an exit seems most likely come the end of the season—again leaving Jackson as the sole striker in the squad.
Chelsea’s attack has underperformed for too long. Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, and Nkunku are all failing to consistently provide goals or creativity, leaving the responsibility with Palmer and Jackson—a burden that cannot be fulfilled every game. This has been evident since the turn of the year, with Jackson’s injury and Palmer’s drop in form.
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If Chelsea decide to enter the market, names like Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, and Benjamin Sesko have been linked. However, top-tier strikers come with hefty price tags, and Chelsea must consider Financial Fair Play regulations. Bringing in a high-profile No. 9 could also hinder Jackson’s development.
Chelsea face a crucial decision. Jackson has potential, but his inconsistency suggests he may not be ready to lead the line alone. If Chelsea want immediate success, signing an elite striker is necessary. However, if they are willing to be patient, Jackson could still develop into a top-class forward.
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