It’s surprising to think that just six months ago there was talk of Chelsea attempting a cash-plus swap for Nicolas Jackson for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
No deal materialized and while Isak continues to make an impact on Tyneside, Chelsea have a star of their own in 23-year-old Jackson, who was the driving force behind the 2-1 win at Leicester City.
The Senegalese striker opened the scoring in the 15th minute and assisted Enzo Fernández’s goal in the second half.
Last season, despite Jackson scoring 17 goals in 44 games (more than the legendary Didier Drogba in his first season at the club), there was talk that Chelsea needed to sign a striker to compete at the highest level.
“Somebody’s going to have to tell me what Nicolas Jackson does,” ESPN insider Craig Burley said of Jackson. “He is clearly not good enough to play as a starting striker in the Premier League.”
Jackson blew a lot of chances and had a poor disciplinary record in his first season, but now he’s returning faith and the conversation has changed.
Former Blues striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, speaking on the BBC’s Planet Football podcast, placed Jackson alongside Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Isak in his top four forwards in the league.
In TNT Sport’s coverage of the early kickoff, Joe Cole said Jackson is “at the top of his game.”
Jackson is now developing into a striker capable of becoming a match-winner when talisman Cole Palmer has a day off, as he did at Leicester after suffering a tough early challenge from Wilfred Ndidi.
His goal against Leicester featured a touch from Drogba as he beat defender Wout Faes before a good touch and finish opened the scoring.
Jackson’s tireless work rate helped Chelsea gain possession high up the pitch through their pressing, creating a chance that was wasted by Noni Madueke and another that Fernandez took advantage of.
But the biggest difference for Jackson is consistency over the last few months.
