We’ve only just started the new season, but Nicolas Jackson is already the focus of plenty of attention.
Once again the transfer window has closed and left him as our only senior out and out striker. He rose to the challenge last season, but will have to do it again this season if we want a successful campaign. His stats from last season are impressive, and worth a look at again.
Compared to other U23 strikers in Europe’s top 5 leagues, Jackson really stacks up very favourably. You only have to look at the visualisation of his data to see why. That’s a lot of Blue on his chart – goals, assists, expected goals and expected assists. His work rate and his ability to link play are also vital parts of his game.
???????? Nico Jackson (Chelsea, 2023/24)
???? vs Top 5 League U23 Strikers◎ Non-penalty goals — 3rd
◎ Expected goals — 3rd
◎ Accelerations — 3rd
◎ Assists — 4th
◎ Expected assists — 4th???? https://t.co/QmJlO8n5tI pic.twitter.com/h8GeC75Xy9
— DataMB (@DataMB_) September 5, 2024
The issues – and how to fix them
Our problem with Jackson has always been simply a lack of natural finishing ability. There were countless occasions last season where he was in a great position to score but didn’t. It’s most clear in his ability (or lack of) in the air. Several times an easy chance to head one in went begging because he didn’t have the right technique or instincts to position himself properly.
It’s the same with his frustrating tendency to stray offside at crucial moments in the game.
But we’ve already seen improvements in his heading, and the offsides also feel like something which can be solved fairly easily with good coaching. He’s never going to be a naturally lethal, instinctive poacher. But he doesn’t need to be – he has many other skills, and plenty of great Premier League strikers have succeeded despite not being a “natural” goalscorer.
These numbers show he’s already a really good player, and if he keeps improving, he can be a great one.
