TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has delivered the pretty firm verdict that Chelsea’s £32m player can’t be their main solution going into next season.
There were certainly major ups and downs in the 2023/24 campaign at Stamford Bridge. Let’s not forget that a decent end to the season meant the Blues sneaked sixth spot in the Premier League, though.
A few individuals managed to excel during last year’s turbulent campaign. Of course, Cole Palmer shone brightest in the Chelsea squad to end up as the Premier League Young Player of the Season.
Interestingly, the role of Palmer’s club teammate has been questioned by a voice in the media.
Nicolas Jackson can’t be Chelsea main solution next season
TalkSPORT’s Jordan has claimed that Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson can’t be the team’s main answer in attack once next season begins.
“I do not think Nicolas Jackson is a solution to their problems,” Jordan talkSPORT (26 June, 12.50pm). “(Jackson was) getting better throughout the season, but still missing more chances than he scored.”
Jackson, who’s aged just 23, moved to Stamford Bridge last summer in a deal worth £32m (The Guardian).
The young striker was thrown in at the deep end by emerging as Chelsea’s main No 9 for most of his debut season in English football. In fairness, he ended up with a respectable tally of 17 goals across all competitions.
Don’t write off Nico
Jackson went from strength to strength last season at Chelsea, so we don’t think it’ll be the end of the world if he’s the first-choice striker next term.
His end product can definitely improve, but 17 goals and six assists in 44 matches is a solid foundation. You’d expect the youngster will get better in his second year, too.
The Senegal international is a great footballer with a really tidy overall game. Also, he provides great energy and showed real resilience last year.
The Chelsea Chronicle would concede that the Blues could do with signing a senior centre-forward to share the workload with Jackson next season. There’s going to be extra fixtures after qualifying for the UEFA Conference League.